NAIROBI, Kenya - A Somali national was, on Monday, charged in a Nairobi court with kidnapping two Italian nuns who are being held in the Horn of Africa nation.

Omar, who was unrepresented, denied kidnapping Sisters Giraudo Caterina and Maria Teresa Olivero who are said to be still held in Somalia. He also denied violent robbery. The charges carry a mandatory death sentence.

Nairobi Chief Magistrate Gilbert Mutembei remanded Omar in custody until January 5, 2009 when the case will be heard.