Six dead in Garissa grenade attack
Six people died and 13 others injured in two grenade attacks in Garissa town Thursday evening.
The simultaneous explosions occurred at 7pm in a restaurant popularly known as kwa Chege while another blast hit a shopping centre on Ngamia road near the Garissa district headquarters offices.
In the hotel incident, one person died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital and scores were injured, while the Ngamia road attack claimed five casualties.
Councillor Abdullah Yusuf, who rushed to the scene said he had a loud explosion.
"Immediately, a police vehicle came and I saw five people rushed to hospital," he said.
The busy restaurant that mostly attracts civil servants during the day due to its proximity to the district headquarters was deserted.
In the Ngamia incident, two people died on the spot while two succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Among the dead include two children who were playing outside the shop.
Garissa medical superintendent Dr Musa Mohamed, who confirmed the deaths, said they were working round the clock to save lives.
The North Eastern provincial police boss confirmed the grenade attack but refused further comment.
A contingent of security personnel from the military, regular and Administration Police mounted night patrols to secure the town.
Local leaders led by the Supkem chairman Abdullahi Salat called for calm and asked the government to use its machinery to apprehend those behind the attack.
"Justice will be the only solution to the innocent victims," he said.
