Deadly explosions hit Nairobi

The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) reported the blasts Friday on its Twitter feed, saying the victims were being transported to local hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, where the Red Cross set up a blood donation center.

Nairobi Police Chief Benson Kibue said the blasts were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The first detonated in a market in the downtown Gikomba district, while the other went off in a 14-seater minibus used for public transportation. He added one suspect had been taken into custody.

Earlier this month, two explosions hit the Kenyan port of Mombasa. One was caused by a device placed on a minibus. Shortly afterwards, explosions on two packed commuter buses in Nairobi killed at least two people.

Last September there was a deadly attack on a luxury shopping mall by Somali militants.

It was not immediately clear who carried out Friday's attack, and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

The attacks come the same week the United States and Britain issued renewed warnings about possible terror attacks in Kenya. The Foreign Office in London advised against all travel within 60 kilometers (37 miles) of the Somali border. In response, British tour operators have been evacuating hundreds of holiday makers in the country.

Germany's Foreign Office issued a warning for tourists in Kenya to exercise "great caution and vigilance." In particular, it urged them to be careful in public places, restaurants, bars and shopping centers, as well as religious sites and tourist attractions.

jm,dr/tj (dpa, AFP, Reuters)