Now Kenya Police say blast caused by device

Now Kenya Police say blast caused by device

SHARE THIS STORY

Updated Monday, May 28 2012 at 19:03 GMT+3

By Standard Digital reporter

The Kenya Police changed its version of the blast report that rocked the capital city centre and left 33 people injured, five of them critically.

A statement sent by Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe on behalf of the Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere Monday evening recanted an earlier version that an electric fault caused the blast.

The statement came as it emerged that a witness who was admitted with injuries said a bag was abandoned next to her shop moments before the explosion.

Irene Wachira spoke to The Associated Press from a Nairobi hospital bed on Monday. Wachira said the man came to the stall three times and acted as if he were interested in buying something. Wachira said the third time he came with a bag, he left it behind and then there was a blast.

Wachira described the man as "Arabic-looking" because of his relatively light skin. A doctor told AP that another person wounded in the blast said a Somali-looking man left behind the bag.

Said the police statement: “Initial investigations have established that 33 persons were injured and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, The Nairobi Hospital and Agha Khan Hospital. Five are reported to be in serious condition. Assanands building which was housing an exhibition was extensively damaged and property of unknown value was destroyed. Neighboring buildings were slightly by damaged by the blast.”

Iteere however said the cause of the explosion had not been established and a team of investigators were piecing together evidence.

Said Iteere: “the investigating team is exploring the possibility that the blast was caused by criminals using an improvised explosive device. Initial examination of the scene indicates that the possibility of a conventional bomb is remote.”

“The Commissioner of Police would wish to assure the public that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and measures stepped up to ensure that such an explosion does not recur in future.” The statement said.

Iteere also appealed to the public to avoid speculation on the motive behind it. "Any person with information which can assist in the investigations of this case is requested to provide the same to nearest police officer." he said.