A tourist kidnapped at a Chakama hotel in Malindi

Unknown number of armed gangsters early Wednesday invaded Chakama village in Lango baya division of Malindi Sub-County, attacked residents and kidnapped an Italian tourist at his hotel.
Speaking to press Wednesday, some of the residents who witnessed the incident blamed the police for their failure to visit the scene early enough,saying the presence of Somali pastoralists in the area has contributed to the insecurity.
The residents said, Chakama village is about 150kms from Malindi town and has inadequate security to protect the residents and their property.
They also blamed the local leaders in the area for their failure to vet the Somali pastoralists, saying the herders have been given freedom to graze their animals.
Responding to the claims, Malindi OCPD, Matawa Mchangi said security personnel have already been deployed to pursue the armed gangsters, who he said injured five people, including one woman and four children who are currently admitted at Malindi Sub County hospital.
The police boss blamed the poor road network that has made the police delay in accessing the scene, and appealed to area residents with useful information on the suspects to assist the police to arrest the culprits and establish the location of the kidnapped Italian tourist.
Mr.Mchangi assured the area residents that the suspects will be arrested because they are walking on foot in the bushes, adding that security will be beefed up to comb the area.
By Simon Guruba