Gunmen who kidnapped Italian woman were of Somali origin

Gunmen who abducted an Italian volunteer in Kilifi on Tuesday night appeared to be of Somali origin, a man who witnessed the attack told Reuters.

“The attackers had clothes of Somali origin … they spoke in Somali,” said Chad Joshua Kazungu, who claims he saw the gunmen who abducted the 23-year-old woman and wounded five people.

Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers who kidnapped Sylivia Constanca from her hotel room.

Inspector General Joseph Boinnet said the gang that was armed with AK 47 rifles attacked Chakama Trading Centre at around 8pm.

The attackers shot indiscriminately at residents including children during the Tuesday night incident.

“Neither the reasons for the attack nor the identity of the attackers have been established. Meanwhile, we appeal to members of the public in the area to report promptly to the nearest Police Officer or Police Station should they sight the criminals with the abducted lady,” police said.

The Italian woman who was kidnapped is said to have been working as a volunteer at Africa Milele Onlus, an non-profit organisation in the area.

A spot check on the website indicates that the organisation was set up for “reception, support and education of all those children marginalized by society, because they are orphans.”

The location of its headquarters is listed as Fano Town in Italy.

Those injured were identified as Samini Garama Dadu (23yrs), Ibrahim Said (16yrs), Elias Mwaringa Kathua (12yrs), Mohamed Kalume Konde (10yrs), Mang Katana Jeffa (20yrs).

The three children: Ibrahim, Elias and Mohamed, sustained gunshot wounds on the left knee, left thigh and left eye respectively but their conditions are reported as stable.

“We assure the public that we are sparing no effort in tracking down the criminals and rescue the victim,” the police said on Wednesday morning.

Additional report from Reuters