Police holding three suspects over murder of Italian doctor in Watamu, Malindi

Police are holding three suspects in connection with the murder of an Italian female doctor in Watamu town, Kilifi County, at the weekend.

Police say they are looking for the mastermind of the murder in which the doctor was shot as she and her colleagues had dinner on Saturday night.

Police spokesman Charles Owino said the murder is an act that amounts to economic sabotage as tourism forms the backbone of our economy and cannot be tolerated at all costs.

“I am happy to report that our investigators have made a breakthrough in establishing the identity of the Mastermind of this heinous act. We have his name and other details identifying him with us. We shall have him in our custody soonest, as he does not have a place and opportunity to hide,” he said.

Dr Rita Fossacaca was popular in the area where she and others ran Mlinzi Children’s Home and the victims were to fly to Italy Monday morning.

Two male companions, also from Italy, were slashed and injured by what police suspect to be machetes.

Owino assured tourists in the region of their safety and said the incident was isolated.

“We have put all our machinery and expertise in place to protect our citizens and visitors, especially during the coming Christmas festivities. We want to assure everyone that these attacks are rare and this is an isolated case,” said Owino.

The victims are members of an Italian NGO, which has been supporting the orphanage that supports disabled children in Watamu for the last nine years. They usually visit twice in a year and were in Watamu for the last two weeks visiting the disabled children that they have been supporting.

Top security officials led by Coast regional police boss Francis Wanjohi and acting County commander David Kerina visited the scene and assured residents of their security.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala condemned the attack.