The families Kenyans citizens abducted by al-Shabaab have asked the government to initiate talks with the militant group to secure their release, Kenya's Daily Nation reported Sunday (July 28th).

Sergeant Jonathan Kangogo, Corporal Evans Mutoro, District Officer Yesse Mule Edward and immigration ministry employee Fredrick Irungu Wainaina were captured in separate incidents along Kenya's north-eastern border with Somalia.

Kangogo and Mutoro were abducted in July 2011 while distributing food to families. Edward and Wainaina were abducted in January 2012 from the town of Gerille while on duty.

Efforts have been made to determine the four men's whereabouts, with no success.

The families have accused the Kenyan government of doing little to ensure the hostages' release. "The two years that my husband has been away have been so traumatising," said Kangogo's wife Rose.

Al-Shabaab has demanded 6 million shillings ($68,700) in ransom for the release of each captive, said Edward's father Yesse, adding that the family cannot afford such a sum.

The Kenyan government has said it will not negotiate with al-Shabaab for the release of hostages.