Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) – The two religious sisters who were kidnapped on November 10 in El Wak, a Kenyan town on the border with Somalia, were supposedly taken to Garbahaarey, a small Somali town 175 kilometers away. This is what was stated by a representative from the Somali government, which has called on Kenyan authorities for help in locating the Sisters' kidnappers.
Sister Caterina “Rinuccia” Giraudo and Sister Maria Teresa Olivero, of the Contemplative Missionary Movement of Fr. de Foucauld of Cuneo (Italy), were taken by force from the mission in El Wak, a town located about 10 km from the border with Somalia. It is an area heavily populated by Muslims. The border is often crossed by Somalis fleeing their country, which is on the brink of a civil war. There are also frequent raids carried out by the gunmen who normally steal livestock, and do not usually kidnap persons.
The two Sisters have been working in Kenya for 35 years and in the house of the brotherhood of El Wak for almost 25 years, where they run a small clinic and guest house. The Movement's website released a statement saying: “We are now in need of prayers from everyone for our Sisters Rinuccia and Maria Teresa from the mission of El Wak, who are in the hands of kidnappers. Our presence there, as in all other missions in other countries is one of prayer and sharing the life of the poor and marginalized. The Brotherhood of El Wak offered a daily treatment for those suffering from tuberculosis and epilepsy, undernourished mothers and children, and cases of disability. It is a friendship built with time, with many bonds of trust, paving the way over the years. Until now, the Brotherhood had never received threats, nor had it been in grave dangers, in spite of the fact that the area experiences tensions on account of ethnic rivalries.”
The Italian, Kenyan, and Somali authorities have taken steps towards the liberation of the Sisters. There have been no requests for ransom and it is unclear whether the kidnappers are simply gunmen or if there are other motives involved. It appears to have been a “planned” kidnapping. In addition to the two religious, several lay faithful have also been kidnapped from the area. Given the delicacy of the situation, the civil and religious authorities have asked information sources to be prudent and avoid releasing any unverified reports. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2008)
