On 21 November 2018, police in Malindi reported a violent attack at Chakama Trading Centre in Chakama location, Makongeni sub-location, about 80 kilometres west of Malindi police station in Kilifi county.
According to the report, a gang of eight men armed with three AK-47 rifles invaded the trading centre and opened fire on people who were carrying out their normal business. The incident was entered under OB 83/20/11/2018.
Five people were shot during the attack. Samini Garama Dadu, 23, was hit on the left side of the neck and was said to be in serious condition. Ibrahim Said, a 16-year-old juvenile, was shot on the left knee and was reported stable. Elias Mwaringa Kathua, 12, was shot on the left thigh and was also stable. Mohamed Kalume Konde, a 10-year-old juvenile, was shot on the left eye and remained stable. Mang Katana Jeffa, 20, was shot on the right thigh and was listed as stable.
The gang then abducted an Italian woman identified as Sylivia Constanca, 23, described in the report as a volunteer with Africa Milele Onlus. Police said the attackers moved towards the Magarini area after the kidnapping. The motive was not yet known.
Administration police officers from Lango Baja AP post were said to be pursuing the gang, with reinforcement from KPS and APS officers in Malindi under the command of CI Stephen Mwachia, OCS, and AP IP Elija Kiptoo. The injured victims were taken to Malindi Subcounty for treatment.
More information was expected as the search for the raiders continued.
