Two people were injured on Saturday evening in an explosion on Latema Road along Tom Mboya Street in the Nairobi Central Business District.
According to preliminary reports, a middle-aged man had procured the help of a cart-puller to carry an unidentified package across the city.
Witnesses reported seeing a man pushing a trolley outside the restaurant. Seconds later, a huge blast was heard sending members of the public scampering to safety.
The incident was confirmed by the Central Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Robinson Thuku.
One of the victims suffered minor injuries on the leg after he was pierced by a shrapnel from the IED during the Saturday incident.
Officers from the Anti-terrorism police and the General Service Unit rushed to the scene and sealed it off.
So loud was the blast that it was heard as far as Koinange Street, causing panic and disrupting the vibrant Nairobi night life.
The two reportedly walked together up to the the junction between Latema road and Tom Mboya street.
The stranger reportedly claimed to have forgotten his Identity Card at a shop across the street and excused himself to go back get it.
Police spokesman Charles Owino said anti-terrorism police had secured the scene and appealed to the public to stay away.
A police officer controls people from accessing scene of an explosion at Odeon Stage, Latema Tom Mboya junction, Nairobi, on January 26, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY
“It was a minor explosion and officers from the anti-terrorism police have sealed off the scene and we are asking members of the public to stay away from the scene completely and let the experts handle the matter,” he said on telephone.
Police at the scene of the attack on Saturday evening .
Police have said that it is critical that all citizens step up their levels of alertness regarding their surroundings and provide information.
Kenyans were however glad it was not a major attack and no one died saying those behind will be caught.
Is Kenya taking enough measures to safeguard its citizens?