MANDERA — Five Kenyan pastoralists abducted near the Somalia border by gunmen suspected of links to Al-Shabaab have been released following negotiations led by traditional elders from both sides of the frontier, Kenyan authorities said.

The men, all residents of Alungu in Mandera County, were freed on Monday evening after local peace elders coordinated with traditional leaders from Damasa, Somalia, to secure their release.

Police said the five were recovered in good health and had been reunited with their families.

The herders were among six men reportedly seized earlier on Monday near Wantey Dam in Lafey Sub-County. One of them managed to escape, while the remaining five were taken across the border, according to preliminary reports.

The abductors allegedly demanded three goats or 6,000 Kenyan shillings for each captive. Other reports indicated that they had requested one camel per person as an alternative. Authorities have not confirmed whether any ransom was paid or livestock surrendered.

Officials attributed the men’s release to sustained negotiations between community elders in Kenya and Somalia. The incident has again highlighted the role of traditional cross-border mediation networks in resolving security disputes and securing the release of abductees in remote frontier areas.

The abduction caused renewed concern among communities along the porous Kenya–Somalia border, where the movement of pastoralists and their livestock frequently exposes residents to armed groups operating in the region.

Kenyan police said investigations were underway to establish the identities of the abductors and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Al-Shabaab has previously been accused of abducting Kenyan nationals for ransom and targeting foreigners in communities near the border. A South Korean couple abducted in the region last year is reportedly still being held in an area of Somalia controlled by the militant group.

Wantey Dam and its surrounding areas remain vulnerable to militant activity. Kenyan security forces continue to conduct operations along the border to prevent attacks and counter threats associated with Al-Shabaab.