PHOTO / AU-UN IST / TOBIN JONES A handout picture released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team shows the Somali capital Mogadishu on October 2, 2013.  AFPGunmen suspected to be Somali pirates have abducted two Kenyan engineers working for a construction company in Mogadishu.
Quoting “multiple sources from Somali piracy circles”, Seafarers Union of Kenya Secretary General Andrew Mwangura added that the gunmen have demanded a ransom of $1 million to free their hostage.
“Additional information says that unknown militia from Habargidir (Ayr) abducted them claiming ransom from the family of the two Kenyan engineers insisting one million US dollars to set them free,” he added.
He said the hostages were working for a construction company known as African Construction Company at a petrol station in Mogadishu.
However, Mr Mwangura said they are yet to get the names of the two hostages kidnapped around January 12, 2014 in Hodan district within the capital Mogadishu.
The Kenyan seafarers boss said a number of Kenyans working in Somalia have confirmed the report of the abduction of the two Kenyans without knowing the victims’ names.
“They are many Kenyans working in Somalia as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and engineers among other jobs. We were just informed that two Kenyan engineers were taken hostage last month,” said Mr Mwangura in an interview with Nation.
He added: “The moment we get their names through our contacts, we shall be able to trace their residence in Kenya and their families to get more information.”
He added that the hostages are currently being held captive in the Galgaduud region of Harardhere District.