Nairobi assures tourists of safety amid tightened security

The Kenyan government on Wednesday moved to assure tourists that the country is safe despite Tuesday’s evening attack in the port city of Mombasa where at least one person died and four others injured in three explosions.Tourism Minister Dan Mwazo said security agencies have embarked on investigations geared at arresting and prosecuting those behind the attack at the popular Bella Vista Night Club.“Our commitment towards the continued preserving of Kenya’s unique position as a preferred tourist destination remains unwavering even in the wake of periodic acts of cowardice characterized by grenade attacks,” Mwazo said in a statement released in Nairobi.“We shall remain vigilant as we strive to provide more information as events unfold,” he said of the attack which took place at the popular night club which is in Mombasa’s central business district famous for its night life and is a popular holiday destination for both Kenyans and foreigners.At least five people were seriously injured in the explosions on Tuesday night after armed terrorists were denied entry when they refused to be frisked by security guards. The female guard has since succumbed to injuries.Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attacks which came as Kenya Defence Forces are in Somalia pursuing Al-Shabaab insurgents blamed for several abductions and grenade attacks in the country.Mombasa Criminal Department of Police (CID) chief Ambrose Munyasia said security forces have recovered a pistol that was allegedly being carried by the man who detonated the grenade outside the club. “From the evidence we have gathered, there were three explosions at Bella Vista. We are on the ground gathering intelligence information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect,” Munyasia told journalists in Mombasa.Munyasia said the police will do their best to ensure that terrorists disrupt the peace which residents of Mombasa have been enjoying.