Police manhunt for Mombasa grenade attackers

Mombasa residents at the scene of a blast at the Bella Vista Night Club May 15, 2012 that left one person dead and four others injured. GIDEON MAUNDU

Police have launched a massive manhunt for those behind a grenade attack at a night club in Mombasa on Wednesday that left a security guard dead and four others injured.

Four other people who were at Bella Vista Night Club along Moi Avenue were seriously injured after the attack.   

The incident happened at around 9.30pm after warnings in the last three months that the club would be attacked.

A pistol was among the arsenals that were recovered at the scene of the club in which entertainment shows start every day at 6pm.

Speaking to the Nation, a witness Abdul Karim said two cars drove to the club and after a few minutes, occupants inside started shooting at people at the car park.

He said as they were shooting at people, they hurled three grenades at the entrance of the club causing patrons to scamper for safety.

“One of the sentinels (bouncer) at the entrance is the one who seems to have been injured the most and is suspected to have lost his life,” Mr Karim said.

Personnel from the St John’s Ambulance were mobilised to attend to the injured. Three people were rushed to Coast General Hospital.

St John’s spokesman Fred Majiwa said he had received scanty details after the incident and would comment later. 

Police later arrived at the scene and secured the area while trying to gather evidence.

Among those who were at the scene were Coast Anti-terror police officer Elijah Rop and the criminal investigation boss Ambrose Munyasia.