Bomb Scare at Nairobi Mall

A file image of Yare towers in Eastleigh
A file image of Yare towers in Eastleigh
Twitter

A suspicious letter left in the lift at Yare Plaza, one of the biggest shopping malls in Eastleigh, Nairobi County, caused panic in the city's neighbourhood on Thursday, September 23.

The letter indicated that there was an explosive device in the building.

Starehe Sub County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed the incident, noting that a search operation was being conducted at the mall.

Bomb Squad cordon off Yare Towers along 12th street Eastleigh, Nairobi
Bomb Squad cordon off Yare Towers along 12th street Eastleigh, Nairobi
Facebook

The letter added that the bomb had been programmed to go off anytime from 1pm.

By the time of going to press, tenants and shoppers had been evacuated from the busy mall and the towers cordoned.

The scare came just two days after the Westgate shopping mall attack anniversary which took place on September 21, 2013. 

The attack resulted in 71 total deaths, including 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers, and four attackers.

The National Police Service (NPS) announced that it had unveiled a robust and grassroots countering of violent extremism by networking with communities in preventing terrorism and building resilience in communities.

The police service stated that multi-agency cooperation within the security apparatuses had improved.

"Our investment in community policing and nyumba kumi initiative has also enhanced cooperation between police and the public. So far this has continued to build trust and has led to more information on terror and organized crime from the public," reads the statement.

The Service has also installed a reliable surveillance system in major towns and cities and procured modern security equipment.

"We still remember our gallant men and women who paid the ultimate price."

People going about their day to day activities outside the Westgate Mall.
People going about their day to day activities outside the Westgate Mall.
File
  • . . .