Kenyan woman held for 2 years by Somali pirates released

A Kenyan woman who had been kidnapped and held for two years by Somali pirates in central Somalia has been rescued by security forces from Galmudug state, state officials announced Sunday in a media conference, with the woman in attendance.

Galmudug deputy President Mohamed Abdi Hashi said the woman, identified as Lois Njoki Weru was rescued during an operation in Amara area in Mudug and was in stable condition.

Weru said she was held under difficult circumstances for two years and even and even denied water sometimes.

“I was held for two years and they even didn’t give me water in some occasions. I was rescued by the military last night (Saturday) and I am now free,” said Weru.

Weru had been kidnapped alongside her colleague James Gachamba Kuria in November 24, 2014 while delivering medical supplies in central Somalia.

James was released in February following an operation by Somali forces in Galmudug region. UN Secretary General told the UN Security Council mid this month five Kenyans were still under captivity for ransom in Somalia but did not give details of captives.

Twenty six sailors were released last week by the pirates in what one of the sailors said was a result of a 1.5 million dollar ransom paid to the pirates.

Kenyan authorities are yet to commend on the matter.

 

 

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