Reports of the horror attack at Dusit D2 hotel on 14 Riverside Drive first surfaced on Twitter with uncertainty over what was really happening.
As more information trickled in and news agencies got confirmation that an attack was in progress at the highly secured building, false reports also emerged.
Unconfirmed reports were forwarded mostly on WhatsApp groups that may have caused misinformation.
When the news broke, people online speculated on which building was under attack having reported hearing gunshots and bombs.
The authorities had to crackdown fast when a false number was shared online for people to call to seek help.
"If you know anyone stuck there...please let them text Anthony Kaleve +254 725 994993, he is the incidence Commander at the scene and they can maybe text exactly where they are to be rescued," the message was forwarded on many WhatsApp groups.
The Kenya National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) went ahead to deny association with the number directing people to use the officials' numbers.
"We advise that you use 111, 112 or 999, the designated emergency numbers," the institution advised.
The DCI further issued additional numbers for all those that are receiving information.
"Please use this number 0722839978 belonging to Musa Yego, the Head of Flying Squad as the alternative to sharing the information. You can also use this number 0721141282 belonging to Mr. Philip Ndolo," the DCI stated.
Journalist Ron Ng'eno, who was in the building when the attack occurred, live-tweeted from an undisclosed location.
"A victim who was live tweeting from the building If I die I love the Lord and believe I will go to heaven please tell my family I love then I love you Caleb, Mark and Carol," he wrote.
One user went on to share that Ron had been rescued, a claim the journalist denied maintaining that he was still hiding.
"We are still in bathroom gunshots in building, please pray for us," Ron tweeted at 6pm.
He, however, was not able to issue more updates as his phone battery died, "Phone charge almost off, please pray."
People also shared images from older incidences claiming that they were from Tuesday's incident, which was untrue.
State House cautioned the public against sharing gory videos, messages and images from the scene.
"Fellow Kenyans, please do not share clips of the attack at Riverside, or terrifying messages. It aids those behind such atrocities. God bless Kenya," State House cautioned.
A photo of politician Steve Mbogo surface online clad in a bulletproof vest. Many were skeptical whether the pictures were genuine, some claiming they were doctored.
However, the flamboyant politician explained what led him to the attack scene.
"I am a licensed firearms holder. I was running my errands near the Dusit D2 Hotel here in Nairobi, when I learnt that the facility was under a terror attack. Because I was in a position to help, given I have good knowledge on how to handle firearms and protect myself against such situations, I went in to help in the rescue operations.
"If you are asking in what capacity I was there, I would tell you I was there as a civilian, who is a mandated by law to handle firearms," he was quoted by a local publication.
