Seized Briton ‘seen’ on Somalia island
Kiwayu Safari village where holidaying British couple David and Judith Tebbutt were attacked early on September 11 by suspected Somalia based al-Shabaab militia. Photo/AFP
A British woman abducted last Sunday from a tourist resort in Lamu has been “spotted” on an island several kilometres from the port town of Kismayu in Somalia.
Maritime Editor for Somalia Report Andrew Mwangura told the Saturday Nation on Friday that Mrs Judith Tebbutt was relocated to the tiny island two days ago, from where she was taken after her capture.
Mr Mwangura, who is also the director of East African Seafarers Assistance Programme said a small group of pirates funded by two Somalia tycoons were responsible for last week’s attack at Kiwayu Safari Village.
“Some fishermen and sailors operating several nautical miles from Kismayu spotted the pirates but they are yet to speak out their demands,” he said.
The tiny island where the Briton is held is close to the Kenyan border.
“We are only being told that the island is very close to Kenya border and there are several fishing landing sites deep in the sea inside Somalia,” he stressed.
Mr Mwangura said there was a great possibility of the abductors demanding ransom to facilitate the release of the Mrs Tebbutt, a deaf social worker.
Police are holding two suspects in connection with the attack.
According to police, the first suspect, a former Kiwayu Safari Village worker, has since admitted helping the raiders but claims he did so for fear of his own life after being held at gunpoint.
The second suspect was arrested on Wednesday in Kiunga after being named by the first suspect as his accomplice in the raid that led to the killing of the woman’s husband, 58-year-old David Tebbutt.
The is said to have confessed to the police that he had guided the kidnappers, who arrived at the resort in a speed boat.
Lamu West district commissioner Stephen Ikua said the two would be brought to court once investigations were completed.
A senior investigator said the first suspect was likely to be charged with abduction and robbery with violence among others counts.
Despite the attacks, Britain’s main tourist body, the Association of British tour operators has assured UK tourists that Kenya is a safe holiday destination.
“Kenya is generally a safe and hospitable country which attracts thousands of UK holidaymakers,” it said.
Angie Sloan, the Kenya Tourist Board’s director for the UK and Ireland, said that while it was understandable that holidaymakers were worried following the news, Kiwayu was in a remote location far away from most tourist areas.
UK’s police officers are assisting inquiries at the resort but Britain’s Ministry of Defence has denied UK Special Forces are also involved.
British newspapers insist that the attack on the exclusive resort used by rock stars and celebrities may have been as a result of a tip off to the kidnappers from local fishermen.
