Kibaki condemns Nairobi bus explosion

President Kibaki and his deputy Kalonzo Musyoka have condemned Monday's explosion next to a Kampala-bound bus in downtown Nairobi that claimed the lives of two people.

In his message, President Kibaki strongly condemned those who perpetrated the heinous act against innocent people.

"Indeed, it is unfortunate that people can be so inhuman as to plan to use deadly devices to harm the innocent,” President Kibaki said.

The Head of State assured Kenyans that the government has put in place comprehensive investigations and those behind the attack will be brought to justice.

“The security of our people is paramount. No efforts will be spared to ensure that security is beefed up."

The President said that security forces would work closely with Kenyans to ensure their security. 

He wished those who suffered injuries in the incident and who are either recuperating at home or in hospital quick recovery.

On his part, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has appealed to Kenyans to remain calm following the blast.

Mr Musyoka, who visited the injured at Kenya National Hospital at 10 pm, called on Kenyans not to panic but instead continue with their arrangements for Christmas festivities without fear.

He condoled with those who may have lost their loved ones during the incident and wished the injured quick recovery.

Mr Musyoka commended Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere and his team for quickly responding to the incident and launching investigations. He similarly lauded other Kenyans who helped rescue and take the injured to hospital.

“We condemn this act that intended to cause fear, despondency and even loss of lives. I urge Kenyans not to disrupt their forthcoming holidays out of fear.

"The government is fully alert, and is taking every possible action to secure the safety of all Kenyans and visitors in the country,” the Vice President assured.

The blast occurred at 7.40 pm as passengers were boarding a Kampala Coach bus in the River Road area.

One man died at Kenyatta and a woman was pronounced dead on arrival at Nairobi Hospital. The man is suspected to have been among those carrying the box with the explosive device.

41 people suffered injuries and were rushed to different city hospitals.

At KNH, most of the 33 patients admitted were Kenyans (19), Ugandans (6), Tanzanians (3), Burundians (3) and two Sudanese nationals.

Dr Charles Kabetu, the acting chief executive officer, said the patients were stable.

Earlier Monday, Uganda's police chief warned "strong indications" that Al-Qaeda-linked militants wanted to attack during the Christmas period and said security forces would issue an alert for vigilance.

The threats came from Islamist groups including the Al-Shabaab and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Inspector General Kale Kayihura told AFP.

"Terror threats from Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab and ADF are the main threats as we go for the festive season and there are strong indications they want to attack," he said.

"We are going to issue security alert so that people are aware of these threats as they go for festivities."

Uganda in July suffered East Africa's worst attacks in 12 years when suicide bombers struck two Kampala bars, killing 76 people. The attack was claimed by Somalia's Al-Qaeda-inspired Shebab rebels.