Two separate explosions targeting Non-Somalis took place in Garissa tonight. The explosions have so far claimed six lives and injured thirty more.
In Ngamia Road, the attackers targeted labourers in the construction industry most of whom are Kambas. A grenade was lobbed into a restaurant near Boolimoog clinic where these workers frequent. Five died here
The second explosion was in down-town Garissa at Kwa Chege's Restaurant near Jamia mosque. One person is said to have died there. Patrons were watching the 7pm news when an unknown person lobbed a grenade into the restaurant.
The attackers are said to have escaped on bodabodas. (unconfirmed)
Heavy police presence is reported in both places. Unfortunately there are no ambulances or paramedics treating and evacuating the victims. Many are reportedly walking to the hospital on their own.
As usual, witnesses are reporting police meting out severe beatings on local Garissans for no apparent reason, other being Somali. This is counter-productive and bound to radicalize the youth. It's no way to win an asymmetrical war like the one Al-Shabab is waging on Kenya.
It's a safe bet now that Garissa is no longer the safest city in East and Central Africa.
Pray for peace and safety. These are truly perilous times.
