Explosion in Nairobi.

At approximately 0820 hours, this morning, There was a low intensity explosion on Moi avenue near the Ambassadeur Hotel & City Gate Restaurant, Nairobi. Police have cordoned off the area as rescue teams try to get the injured to hospital.

The local media are reporting at least 5 people are confirmed dead and at some 36 seriously injured. They have been rushed to various city hospitals.

The area has been cordoned off as police investigate. Witnesses said a man with what looked like hand grenades was seen trying to jump into a bus when the explosion occurred. The witnesses said he attempted to detonate the grenade and was killed in the explosion.

The Ambassadeur Hotel is located in the city centre and has a major bus stage next to it. When the explosion occurred, there were scores of pedestrians and workers waiting for buses to their offices.

Downtown is heavily congested and staff members are asked to avoid this area, until the situation returns to normal.

(After touching base with my flatemates and friends, I was relieved to hear that they were not in that area of town this morning. I work about 15 minutes from where this explosion occurred. There should be more news later today/tomorrow)