An attack at the Dusit D2 hotel on 14 Riverside Drive, Westlands Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon sparked tension countrywide as details developed.
The attack is reported to have begun at 3:30 pm on Tuesday afternoon
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What we know so far is that four perpetrators arrived at the junction linking Chiromo Lane with Riverside Drive and remained parked for thirty minutes before the incident.
They then forced their way into the parking lot and thereafter a huge explosion, believed to have been a suicide bomber, went off at 3:50 pm at the Secret Garden Hotel.
Some reports indicate that the four may have created an entry point for more cars to access the building.
The suspected terrorists are believed to have begun shooting indiscriminately which is still ongoing in the top floors of the buildings.
Recce Squad and DCI Boss George Kinoti arrive
Police have been quick to respond at the scene with Recce Squad having made their way in at around 4 pm.
At around the same time University of Nairobi students were led out of their hostels that are next to the prestigious hotels.
At 4:15 pm DCI boss George Kinoti was also seen at the scene giving instructions to his officers as they conducted evacuated survivors.
A Kenya Airforce helicopter was also seen hovering around the area at 4:45 pm.
Al Shabaab take Responsibility for Dusit D2 attack
Local television reports showed some of the survivors who were seriously injured.
Foreign security servicemen were also seen assisting local police with the rescue operations.
Surrounding buildings have also been evacuated as a precaution. The area has been cordoned off.
At 5 pm journalists were forced out of the area by armed GSU police officers.
Al Shabaab took responsibility for the attack at 5:08 pm as bomb squad officers arrived at the scene.
At 5:30 pm a second blast went off causing security operatives to duck for cover.