Sylvia Romano, an Italian aid worker who was kidnapped by Al-Shabaab in November 2018 in Malindi, has been released by the Al-Qaeda linked group.
The Kilifi County Police Commander, James Mugera, announced that she was released on Saturday following leads that the intelligence agency had been pursuing.
Romano, a 24-year old aid worker from Italy, was abducted 18 months ago while inside her hotel room.
Mugera confirmed that a multiagency team had been working with the Italian government to locate and rescue Romano.
“The team that rescued her is waiting more instructions from the relevant authorities on whether they should fly her to Nairobi, Mombasa, or straight to Italy,” Mugera said.
Mugera also clarified that Romano was rescued while in Somalia following intense surveillance and prolonged negotiations between her abductors and the government of Italy.
He also confirmed that Romano would be flown back to Italy soon for specialized treatment adding that her health deteriorated over the last two years.