Sunday, January 15, 2012

Missing Kenyans resurface two days after Al Shabaab raid on Wajir



By CYRUS OMBATI

Two Kenyans who went missing when suspected Al Shabaab militia raided a police post in Wajir have resurfaced.
The local registrar and an Administration Police officer emerged on Friday evening, two days after the
From left, Kenya Army Colonel Cyrus Oguna and Mary Ombara, acting Director of Public Communications at a press conference on Operation Linda Nchi on Saturday. [PHOTO: AGNES RUBE/STANDARD]
Wednesday night attack.
Local officials said the two escaped, as they were being driven away.
"They are very tired and we are still talking to them to get more details. It is a miracle to us but four are still missing," said a senior official.
The four, who include a local chief, a police officer, an intelligence officer, and a District Officer were abducted in an attack in Gerile town when more than 50 militants invaded.
The militants paraded the four in the town of Bardere in Gedo region, about 380km southwest of Mogadishu. Reports say they also displayed a vehicle they took during the raid on the town on the Kenya-Somalia border.
Communication equipment
The Kenyans and the vehicles were displayed in different neighbourhoods in the town before being taken to a local square, the reports said. The militants also disconnected all communication equipment with the outside world, fearing they may become victims of revenge air strikes.
The reports quoted the militants warning they would continue to raid towns inside Kenyan territory and carry out killings and abductions.
This is in retaliation for the military operation by the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia. The Islamists invaded Gerille town and bombed the camp, reducing it to ashes.
Seven people, including police officers, were killed and three others injured.
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said about 100 bandits attacked Gerille Administration Police Post in Wajir South District at 6.30pm.
The bandits stole firearms, ammunition and a car from the post. "The bandits also burnt several houses within the post," Mr Iteere said.

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