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Explosions rock buses in Kenyan capital

The first attack was reported on this Githurai bound bus near Homeland Inn, Thika Road. Photo/MIKE KARIUKI

The first attack was reported on this Githurai bound bus near Homeland Inn, Thika Road. Photo/MIKE KARIUKI

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 4 – At least two people were killed and 53 others injured in two bus explosions that occurred within metres of each other near the Homeland Inn on Thika Road and the Thika Road Mall (TRM) on Sunday evening.

Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki said the explosion at the Homeland Inn occurred at around 5.20pm and as police were responding at that scene they received information of a second explosion near TRM in Roysambu.

She said they believe improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used in both attacks but they were still carrying out investigations.

The bus in which the explosion took place near the Homeland Inn was said to be heading from the City Centre to Githurai while the second 51-seater was said to be heading from the city centre to Mwiki.

The injured were taken to different hospitals including the Kenyatta National Hospital which said it received 31 injured persons – 16 women, 11 men and 4 children – Guru Nanak Hospital and Neema Hospital.

Mboroki confirmed that at least seven of the injured were in critical condition but she said they would release more conclusive figures on Monday as by the time the police got to the scenes of crime most of the injured had been ferried to hospital by good Samaritans.

“We have deployed police officers to the various hospitals and we’ll be able to give you a more detailed brief tomorrow,” she said.

But given the preliminary findings she chastised the Savings and Co-operative Societies (SACCOs) that managed the buses for failing to screen their passengers and luggage before letting them on.

“Time and again we’ve called for screening because this is not the first time this has happened. Who should take responsibility now?” she posed.

The bus driver of the Mwiki-bound bus, identified as James Munene, was unharmed and was carted off by the police to record a statement.

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She also called on passengers using public means of transportation to be more vigilant and notify the bus conductor should they find an unattended package.

“I said it today and I’ll keep saying it, safety is not just the responsibility of the police. It’s yours and mine. Where do you think our intelligence comes from?” she asked.

Up until 7pm there was heavy traffic along Thika Road as police sought to secure and collect evidence from both scenes.

The explosions occurred less than 24 hours after twin blasts rocked the coastal city of Mombasa leaving three dead and tens of others injured.

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