Explosion, gunfire at Nairobi hotel, office complex

A gunfight was underway following a blast at a hotel and office complex in a leafy Nairobi neighbourhood yesterday. A blast at the DusitD2 compound, which includes a hotel and several office buildings housing international companies, was heard from AFP’s offices some five kilometres (three miles) away.

Simon Crump, who works at one of the offices, said workers had barricaded themselves inside their offices after “several” explosions. “We have no idea what is happening. Gunshots are coming from multiple directions,” he told AFP, adding that the people were terrified.

Police sirens echoed through the city and a helicopter buzzed overhead. A reporter sent to the scene said the gunmen and security forces were exchanging gunfire.