Nairobi, KENYA: At least 174 people were rescued overnight at 14 Riverside Drive following an attack by militants at dusitD2 Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi.
Among those rescued by security forces were a top politician’s son and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s daughter.
Police have cautioned the public and politicians to stay away from the area.
“We wish to caution all members of the public including politicians that Dusit Hotel and the area around 14 Riverside Drive is a Crime Scene that is under an active security operation.Until it is declared safe, everyone not actively involved in the operation should avoid the area,” read a statement from the police service.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security Fred Matiang’i on Tuesday night confirmed that building was secure.
“We have secured all buildings that had been affected by this event. The security teams have evacuated scores of Kenyans and other nationalities from the buildings. We are now in the final stages of mopping up the area and securing evidence and documenting the consequences of these unfortunate events,” said Matiangi.
Attack
The attack on the upscale hotel complex at 14 Riverside, by at least four gunmen, began shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday with an explosion in the parking lot and then a suicide bomb blast in the foyer of the dusitD2 Hotel, police said.
Somali militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack which has left at least 14 dead.
Eleven Kenyans, an American and a Briton were among the casualties, morgue staff said. Two victims had not been identified.
Despite assurances by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i on Tuesday night, blasts and shots were heard though out the night and at dawn on Wednesday.
Additional reporting by Michael Mbugua
