Abandoned bag causes panic at Junction Mall in Nairobi, police investigating

NAIROBI: Police are investigating the source of a bag with empty bottles of beer that was found abandoned at the parking of Junction Mall in Nairobi Sunday evening causing panic.

After a long search that had caused tension and panic, the bag was found to be containing 12 empty bottles of beer. The area had earlier been cordoned off with security experts being called in.

Tenants of the mall were evacuated as officials moved to the basement parking where the bag was. It was later on carried away as investigations continued. It is not known who left it there but officials are reviewing CCTV footage to establish that.

Tenants and customers were seen running from the mall late in the evening as experts moved in amid speculations.

Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue later announced there was no need to panic over the discovery of the bag.

"The bag had 12 empty bottles of beer and we don't know if someone left it intentionally or as garbage. But we are investigating," he said.

He added that police are on alert and keep responding to alerts, some of which are false.

Police are on alert following intelligence reports that terror groups are planning to attack strategic places within the country.