3 suspects detained for 30 days over Italian's kidnapping
Ms Silvia Constanca Romano who was abducted by gunmen from Malindi, Kilifi County, on November 20, 2018. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Ms Romano was abducted on November 20, 2018 at around 7.30pm when armed gun men suspected to be Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked Chakama Village in Malindi.
- More than 100 people have allegedly been arrested in Kilifi and Tana River counties following the disappearance of Ms Romano.
Three suspects linked to the kidnapping of Italian volunteer Silvia Constanza Romano in Malindi, Kilifi County last year, will remain in police custody for 30 days.
Mr Mohamed Abdirahman Abdile, Mr Aden Hassan Mohamed and Mr Ibrahim Ali Bayow on Wednesday appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Mutuku who allowed the police to detain them.
According to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), the Somali-speaking suspects were arrested in Garissa last week while in possession of firearms without licences.
The court heard that Mr Abdile facilitated the movement of his co-accused into the country from Somalia and that preliminary investigations show that the trio may have been involved in the kidnapping of Ms Romano.
ASSOCIATES
The court also heard that the trio have associates who are yet to be arrested, therefore, police require more time to conduct investigations
“Intelligence report so far received show that the attackers had other associates who assisted them in planning and executing the abduction within the country and therefore there is need to carry out interviews with the suspects with a view of finding out their co-conspirators,” said Mr Vitalis Kibet, the investigating officer.
Ms Romano was abducted on November 20, 2018 at around 7.30pm when armed gun men suspected to be Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked Chakama Village in Malindi.
Police found eight spent cartridges, three bullet heads and a grenade pin at the scene.
The gunmen had sporadically shot at people, injuring scores.
ATPU told court that investigators need to establish a connection between the trio and their involvement in the kidnapping of the Italian national.
The anti-terror unit requested court that the trio be detained at ATPU headquarters for 30 days to enable investigators examine and analyse their call data records, financial records as well as the source and intended use of their firearms.
But the suspects pleaded with the court to allow the Kenyan government to assist them even though they are not local citizens.
More than 100 people have allegedly been arrested in Kilifi and Tana River counties following the disappearance of Ms Romano.
