NAIVASHA, Kenya – Naivasha residents were left shaken on Sunday after police recovered an improvised explosive device following an explosion scare at Kapendo Shopping Centre, an incident that triggered panic among traders and members of the public.
Police said the incident was reported at around 11am after officers heard a loud blast believed to have originated from the busy shopping centre.
According to officers at Utheri wa Lari Police Station, the alarm was first raised by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Maai Mahiu Railway Police Station, who reported hearing an explosion while at her station on Sunday night.
The OCS immediately mobilised officers and rushed to the scene, where preliminary investigations established that a man later identified as Fredrick Maina Kanini had ignited an improvised device that detonated, causing fear and confusion in the area.
Witnesses said the blast sent traders and residents fleeing as they feared a possible terror-related incident. The suspect reportedly escaped from the scene under the cover of darkness.
However, following intelligence-led operations, police officers recovered a partially burnt component believed to be part of the explosive device.
In a joint operation involving officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was later arrested and placed in custody to assist with investigations.
The recovered device was preserved at Naivasha Police Station as bomb experts from Nakuru were called in to examine it.
Police later confirmed that the device was a fireworks explosive, commonly used during festive seasons.
Despite the finding, police warned that such devices can pose serious risks if mishandled.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to avoid handling or detonating suspicious objects and to promptly report any unusual incidents to the nearest police station.
