The Government of Kenya has evacuated Cuban doctors attached to Wajir and Garissa Counties after the abduction of their colleagues, Assel Herera Correa (General Physician) and Landy Rodriguez (Surgeon), in Mandera on April 12.
Wajir Governor Abdi Mohamud told The Standard that his administration was directed to evacuate the two Cuban doctors to Nairobi following a national security advisory.
Garissa OCPD Aaron Morasae disclosed that the team from Garissa left on Saturday morning, and it was not clear when they would resume work.
Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane stated that the county government had noted previous security concerns raised by the medics.
He explained that they had tried many methods including regular changes on the doctors' security and moving them to different houses.
While issuing an update on the search and rescue operation for the two who were kidnapped, National Police Service Spokesperson Charles Owino disclosed that authorities will spare no effort to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all Kenya.
“Concerted efforts are being made for their search and rescue by a multinational agency team. The team has also briefed Health, Interior and Defense CSs,” read Owino's update.
In Mandera, elders were on Friday sent to Somalia to trace and hold talks with the abductors, believed to be members of Al Shabaab.
Insiders revealed that the victims were alive and were being moved from one place to another.
The Standard also reported that at least two choppers under the command of a brigadier are leading the rescue mission as the Mandera Regional Commissioner led ground troops.
