Riverside terror attack: Situation now under control, country safe – says Matiang’i

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has confirmed that security teams have retaken control of the 14 Riverside Drive complex which came under terror attack on Tuesday afternoon.

Addressing the media a few minutes before 11pm on Tuesday, Dr. Matiang’i said the multi-agency security team deployed to the scene had secured all the affected buildings including the dusitD2 complex where the terrorists were holed up.

“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 documents in consequences of these unfortunate events,” said the CS.

CS Matiang’i said President Kenyatta was “fully seized of the situation” and was receiving regular updates on the attack.

He further assured Kenyans that the country is safe urging members of the public to continue with their normal operations.

“I can also report that the country is now secure that the nation remains calm and that Kenyans and all our vistors are safe and should feel free to continue going about their normal business,” said Matiang’i.

Matiang’i was flanked by a high government delegation including Defence CS Rachel Omamo, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho, Chief Administrative Secretary Patrick Ole Ntutu, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet among others.

The terror attack at dusitD2 hotel in Westlands, Nairobi happened in a coordinated fashion that involved a suicide bomber and armed militants, according to Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.

Addressing the media at 8pm on Tuesday, Boinnet said the terrorists began their onslaught by setting ablaze three vehicles at the I&M bank parking lot before moving to the dusitD2 complex.

At the entrance of dusitD2 hotel, Boinnet said the assailants carried out a suicide bombing, injuring several people among them guests.

“This criminal activity commenced at about 3 o’clock in a coordinated fashion that began with an attack at I&M bank with an explosion that targeted three vehicles on the parking lot and suicide explosion in the foyer at Dusit hotel where a number of guests suffered severe injuries,” said Boinnet.

The number of casualties still remains unknown.