Further rioting and disorder has broken out in the Eastleigh district of Nairobi a day after seven people were killed in a bomb attack on a matatu in the area (see ‘30 killed in Eastleigh matatu bomb blast, mob violence ensues‘).

Youths, mainly young men, have been engaged in running battles with the police during the day, indulging in looting and attacking business premises.

The youths appear to be attacking residents of Somali origin claiming that they have been shielding terrorists.

MATATU BOMB BLAST: RUNNING BATTLES, SECURITY FORCES FIRE TEARGAS

General Service Unit (GSU) officers and several lorry loads of anti-riot police have been deployed in the area to counter the violent outbreaks. There are reports of the security services firing rounds of teargas along Fourth Avenue.

International press agency reports say that at least seven people have been taken to hospital as a result of the violence.

Residents having barricaded themselves indoors as business life came to a standstill amidst reports of passing motorists being stoned.

RISE OF MOB VIOLENCE: “WE ARE NOT AL-SHABAAB”

“Three of my relatives have been taken to hospital after they were beaten up”, Abdulahi Ahmed, a local trader told the media. “We are being accused of causing insecurity and bombings, yet we don’t know who is doing this, let the government protect us”.

Mr Ali Sheikh Ahmed, also a local trader who sells gold and jewellery, said: “I closed my shop and stayed in front to guard it after we were attacked by youths throwing stones”.

Another woman complained: “We are not Al-Shabaab members and we are not accountable for their actions”.