Trader injured as improvised device explodes in his shop in Sagana, Kirinyaga County

One person was seriously injured and property worth thousands of shillings destroyed during an explosion in Sagana Town, Kirinyaga County on Sunday night.

The powerful explosion caused by an improvised explosive device which had planted in in a wines and spirits shop belonging to the wounded trader, Mr Antony Muriuki, caused panic in the entire town.

Mr Muriuki suffered head and hand injuries and was taken to the nearby Sagana Sub-County Hospital and was later transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital after his condition worsened.

He was closing his shop at around 8.30pm when the device suddenly went off, tossing him in the air.

The depot was completely destroyed while the neighbouring business premises were also damaged.

At one point, the usually busy town was completely deserted as residents and traders abandoned their work and scampered for safety.

The explosion was so strong that it ripped off the steel doors of the depot and threw them twenty metres away from the scene.

Moments later, heavily armed police officers under the command of Mr Rono Bunei rushed to the scene and sealed it off, awaiting the arrival of ballistic experts.

LOUD BANG

The owner of the storey house, Ms Teresia Wangui, said she heard loud sound like that of a tyre burst and went to check what was happening only to find part of it damaged and scores of police cocking guns.

Ms Wangui said the damage was so extensive and suspected that it could have been caused by a bomb.

"It could be a bomb or any other explosive device," said Ms Wangui who appeared shocked.

Kariti Ward Representative Joel Wagura said such an explosion could only be caused by a bomb.

Mr Wagura said he was in town when he heard a loud sound and drove towards the affected building. On arrival I was shocked to see broken bottles of alcoholic drinks scattered everywhere.

He called on the police to carry out thorough investigations to expose those who had planted the explosive there.

A resident, Mr Irungu Mwangi, recalled that he was at home taking supper when a loud bang hit his ears.

FEARED TERRORIST ATTACK

"When I heard the bhang, I dashed out of the house and fled because I thought terrorists had invaded the town," said Mr Mwangi.

Area OCPD Sabastian Seurey declined to comment on the issue when approached by journalists.

Mr Bunei, the county police commander, told journalists that he and his officers responded immediately they learnt of the explosion.

"We quickly swung into action when reports reached us from the officers on night patrol that there was an explosion in town," said Mr Bunei.

He said the area would remain sealed off until bomb experts arrive and establish the type of the explosive device it was.

Mr Bunei told the residents not to panic as everything possible was being done to unearth those who might have planted the explosive there.

County Governor Joseph Ndathi called on the police to get to the bottom of the matter.

Speaking by telephone, Mr Ndathi said residents were living in fear as another explosive device had recently been found planted in Kutus Catholic Church. It was detonated by police.