On 21 November 2018, a suspected Al-Shabaab raid on Chakama trading centre in Kilifi County left five people injured and an Italian student volunteer abducted from a house rented by foreign volunteers.
Residents said the attackers struck at around 8pm in the Galana Kulalu area and opened fire into the air before moving through the settlement. Police later described the assailants as “bandits” in their initial account of the assault, which happened in Makongeni Sub Location, about 80 kilometres west of Malindi town.
A local witness said the armed group was made up of about 80 men and that the young Italian woman was taken away during the chaos. “They then kidnapped the young Italian lady, who works as a volunteer in the area,” the source said, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the incident.
The woman, 23, had been volunteering with Africa Milele Onlus, a non-governmental organisation working to improve literacy and education levels in Chakama. Witnesses said she was heard calling for help as the attackers moved her across River Galana before escaping.
The National Police Service said on Wednesday that the attackers “fired indiscriminately at residents”, leaving five people with gunshot wounds. The service identified the injured as Samini Garama Dadu, 23, who was shot on the left side of the neck and was in serious condition; Ibrahim Said, 16, who was shot on the left knee and was stable; Elias Mwaringa Kathua, 12, who was shot on the left thigh and was stable; Mohamed Kalume Konde, 10, who was shot on the left eye and was stable; and Mang Katana Jeffa, 20, who was shot on the right thigh.
Police were deployed after the attack, but by the time they reached the scene the gunmen had already crossed River Galana, according to the witness account. The area lies near Tana River and Garissa, where Al-Shabaab elements are known to operate.
The injured were taken to Malindi Sub County Hospital. By Wednesday morning, sources told the Nation that two of the victims were in critical condition. Kenya Red Cross Society Coast region coordinator Hassan Musa said the injured woman had been shot in the shoulder and added: “We are making further follow up on the others,” said Mr Musa.
The attack renewed concern over insecurity in the coastal hinterland, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted civilians and foreign volunteers.
