Trader injured in Sagana explosion

A trader was seriously injured and property worth thousands of shillings destroyed when an explosion rocked Sagana Town in Kirinyaga County.

The blast, believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive that had been planted in a wine and spirits depot belonging to the wounded trader, Mr Antony Muriuki, caused panic in the entire town.

The 40-year-old suffered head and hand injuries and was taken to the nearby Sagana Sub-County Hospital. He was, however, later transferred to Karatina Hospital in Nyeri after his condition worsened.

Mr Muriuki was closing his premises at 8.30pm on Sunday after delivering some wines and spirits, when the explosive suddenly went off, tossing him into 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.

SHOOK LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE

The explosion was so strong that it ripped the steel doors of the depot and threw them 20 metres away from the scene.

It also shook the surrounding areas like an earthquake, sending shock waves across the town and its environs.

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.

The owner of the building, Ms Teresia Wangui, said she heard loud sound like that of a tyre burst and went to find out what was happening.

She found part of the building damaged and scores of police officers cocking guns.

Ms Wangui, who appeared shocked, said the damage was so extensive that she suspects it could have been caused by a bomb.

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

“The bomb might have been planted by some Al-Shabaab terrorists,” said Mr Wagura.

He 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 added.

The ward rep called on the police to carry out thorough investigations to expose those who had planted the explosive.

A resident, Mr Irungu Mwangi, said he was at home taking supper when he heard a bang.

“When I heard the sound, I dashed out of the house and fled because I thought terrorists had invaded the town,” he said.