A Kenyan soldier who was captured by Al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia on January 2016 has sent a ray of hope to his family after appearing on video on Thursday, reports Daily Nation.
Senior Private Alfred Ndanyi, 36, was captured after the insurgents raided KDF’s camp in El-Adde where more than 100 Kenyan soldiers lost their lives.
The father of four is seen in a video sent by the insurgents, relaying an exclusive message to President Uhuru Kenyatta to come to an agreement with the militiamen to secure his release and others who have been captive with him.
Nganyi’s parents, Dr. Epainitus Kilasi and Nifreda Kahuga said that their hearts are now full of hope after seeing their son send out the message to President Uhuru.
His father said that despite having not heard or seen his son since the El-Adde attack, he has always been hopeful that one day he will return home.
However, he appealed to the government to act swiftly and secure his releases.
He said that his family has been through hard times since the military man was the sole breadwinner of his family.
“I have no job. Ndanyi was our main bread winner. He provided for us and his own family. He took care of our hospital bills and bought us medicine. Now I have wounds on my legs, I cannot walk,” he told NTV in an interview on Friday.
He said the fact that his son is alive has made him abandon all plans he had to declare his son dead and hold a special traditional Maragoli ritual for those who disappear without any trace.
His mother in a tearful voice called on the government to do everything possible to ensure their son gets back home in one piece.