The attack was confirmed by the Kenya Police who revealed the injured had been ferried to Malindi Subcounty hospital. The force’s statement reads: “The National Police Service wishes to inform the public that last evening at about 8pm, a gang of men armed with AK 47 rifles attacked Chakama Trading centre in Chakama, Makongeni sub location in Kilifi county, about 80 kilometres west of Malindi town.” Police chief Joseph Boinnet identified the Italian woman as 23-year-old volunteer for Africa Milele Onlus, an NGO operating in the area.
He claimed the motive and the identity of the attackers are not yet clear.
Police said: “Neither the reasons for the attack nor the identity of the attackers have been established.
“We assure the public that we are sparing no effort in tracking down the criminals and to rescue the victim.”
However, residents claimed she was abducted after five men attacked the site and demanded money.
Those injured were identified by the police of Kenya.
On Twitter officials released an update with their conditions.
The tweet reads: “The attackers fired indiscriminately at residents injuring the following:
“Samini Garama Dadu, 23, was shot on the left side of the neck and is in serious condition.
“Ibrahim Said, 16, was shot on the left knee and his condition is stable.
“Elias Mwaringa Kathua, 12, was shot on the left thigh, his condition is stable.
“Mohamed Kalume Konde, 10, was shot on the left eye, his condition stable.
“Mang Katana Jeffa, 20, was shot on the right thigh, his condition stable.