Five dead in Nairobi blast

Five people died and more than 70 others were on Sunday hurt after two explosions caused a stampede at a ‘No’ rally in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. The explosions took place as a Nairobi preacher was conducting prayers after the main rally, which was otherwise peaceful.

The well-attended rally-cum religious crusade was addressed by religious leaders and politicians who are leading the campaign to have the draft constitution rejected.

The rally had ended and people had left, but one of the pastors had continued with prayers well beyond the 6pm permitted in law. It was not clear what caused the explosions that occurred 30 minutes apart as pastor James Ng’ang’a was conducting prayers after the end of the rally.

A witness, Ms Stella Wanjiku from Kiambu, said:“One person was brought to the dais. Pastor Ng’ang’a said he should be rushed to hospital but asked us not to fear but continue with the prayers.

The man had head and chest injuries.” “When the second bang happened people started to scamper. That is when many were injured. Others, including me, lost valuables. We thought it was a landmine planted by some people against our meeting ,” she said. Read more at the Daily Nation. Also read more at the Standard.

Update: President Kibaki has called a meeting of the security chiefs at his office at Harambee House. The Nation has it here. More at at Capital FM.