Malindi kidnappers tried to extract ransom for missing Italian aid worker

Moses Luwali and Abdulla Gababa Wario at the Malindi court room on Tuesday, July , 30, 2019. They are accused of abducting Italian aid worker Silvia Romano at Chamaka trading centre last year. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard].

The abductors of a missing Italian aid worker tried to get ransom from the Italian government for her release, according to information released at the start of a trial of two men charged with kidnapping her.

The trial began on Wednesday with a visit by the court and accused persons to a rescue children’s centre in Chakama where Silvia Romano Constanza was kidnapped.

Chakama Chief Macdonald Ngowa said the incident had left many beneficiaries of the Africa Milele organisation stranded.

“I was at a shop with Silvia but I left her after two minutes and went to watch the evening news at another shop. We heard a loud bang followed by shootings,” said Mr Ngowa.

He said Silvia cried out his name for help, saying "Macdonald come and help me" and her voice continued to fade indicating that the attackers had carried her away.

The attackers headed towards Galana River on foot while carrying Silvia.

“Immediately the gunshots stopped I called the Deputy County Commissioner John Kamau and told him an Italian aid worker had been abducted. I also called Lango Baya police boss,” he said.

The hearing continues on August 21, 2019.