Mogadishu, 14 December 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Kenyan security forces have foiled an attempt by armed gunmen, to kidnap a Catholic nun in Wajir, northeastern Kenya, officials said.
According to reports, the gunmen attacked the nun’s house, but were repulsed by security forces on patrol when she rung alarm to the police.
Some of the attackers are believed to have fled while others have been arrested by the police.
The attackers, who are believed to be wanted to take the nun to Somalia, attacked the house as they deeply entered the house. Their efforts were, however, thwarted by security forces.
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According to Northeastern Provincial Commissioner James Ole Sirian, the attackers fled and abandoned their car some 40 kilometers from the Kenya-Somalia border after being surrounded by security forces.
Reports indicate that there was a sustained exchange of fire as the attackers escaped.
The kidnap attempt follows reassurances by security forces that the area around the Kenya-Somalia border is safe from attacks by the Somali Al Shabab militants, who have on several occasions threatened to attack Kenya.
Early this year, armed gunmen kidnapped two Italian Catholic nuns at El Wak in Mandera District and set them free a few days later.
By Abdinasir Mohamed
Somalilandpress
abdinasir4@gmail.com
Mogadishu-Somalia
