Global General

Kenyan twin blasts toll rises to five, 112 injured

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-14 15:26

NAIROBI - At least five people were killed and 112 others injured in the Kenyan capital Sunday evening after two explosions rocked a campaign rally organized by religious leaders opposed to the proposed new constitution.

Victims of a bomb attack receive treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya's capital Nairobi June 13, 2010. [Agencies]

Doctors at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) confirmed the five fatalities had already died from the scene of the incident before arrival at the largest referral hospital.

"The five deceased died before arrival at the hospital. We received 112 victims who were undergoing treatment at the health facility. Out of the number, we treated 91 and discharged while 21 are still undergoing treatment," a doctor who declined to be named told Xinhua on Monday.

He said 10 of the patients are in a serious condition and another four have been rushed to the Nairobi Hospital.

Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said a team of investigators have been assembled to try to unravel the incident. Kiraithe said preliminary reports suggested that petrol bombs or a grenade had been hurled into the crowd.

"It's a very seriously crime. We have assembled senior police officers to try to unearth this criminal act. Eye witnesses are giving us some crucial leads and so far injuries point to grenade attack," Kiraithe said.

He said explosions took place as a Nairobi preacher was conducting prayers after the main rally, which was otherwise peaceful had just ended.  "The rally had ended and people had left. But one of the pastors had continued with prayers well beyond the 15:00 GMT permitted in law," he said.

"The victims were those who remained behind for prayers after the main rally had ended," Kiraithe said.