Four feared dead, 10 injured in Mombasa blasts

One person died and at least ten others were injured after unknown people hurled explosive devices at a prayer rally in and an entertainment spot in Mombasa County.

The first attack occurred at a Christian prayer gathering in Mtwapa, fifteen kilometers from the city while the second attack took place a few minutes later near the Mombasa Municipal stadium.

In the second attack which occurred at around 7.45 pm, a police officer is said to have been badly injured.

Coast Provincial Commissioner Mr Ernest Munyi confirmed that the explosions had taken place but said he was yet to establish the extent of injuries or deaths.

“There has been an explosion around the Mtwapa area but I cannot tell at this moment the extent of injuries or deaths if any. I am rushing there as we speak,” he said.

Mvita MP Najib Balala said a second explosion had occurred at an entertainment spot near the Municipal stadium almost simultaneously.

“I have heard that besides the explosion in Mtwapa, there has been another one at an entertainment spot at the Buxton area near the Mombasa Municipal stadium.

“I am trying to get further details from my contacts who live near the Holiday Inn where the second explosion has occurred. The details are still scanty,” he explained.

A senior police officer who cannot be named because he unauthorised to speak on behalf of the force said the Mtwapa prayer gathering was coming to an end when the device exploded, sending the congregation scampering to safety.

The officer who was among the first to rush to the scene said the incident occurred at around 6.30 pm, sparking a major stampede in the area.

“It is hard to tell whether it was a grenade or a bomb, we are still investigating,” the officer stated.

The PC said emergency services had been mobilised to undertake rescue efforts and transport the injured to hospitals.   

‘'We have mobilised several ambulances to rush to the scene and help to evacuate the injured,” he stated.

He however lamented that the rescue operations were being hampered by heavy traffic snarl-up occasioned by the incident.