Alphonce Shiundu
21 September 2008
Nairobi — The Kenyan high commission in Pakistan will remain closed for the next two weeks after the building was destroyed by a bomb that went off in a nearby hotel.
Doors and windows of the building were shattered, High Commissioner Mishi Mwatsahu told the Nation last evening.
The blast, which occurred at the Marriott hotel, which is 250 metres from the embassy, also affected the power and telephone lines, said Ms Mwatsahu.
"All buildings within a radius of 300 metres were affected, so definitely, we were not the target," the envoy said.
The rented building will have to be renovated before operations resume at the mission.
Forfeit rent
Ms Mwatsahu disclosed that discussions were under way to move the high commission from the region, but this depended on a number of factors.
"We pay the rent one year in advance, so we have to negotiate with the property owners to see if they can refund the money," she said.
According to Ms Mwatsahu, the money -- Sh2 million -- is too much to forfeit. And a refund of the rent is likely to attract hefty penalties.
In the Saturday night attack, AFP news agency reported that at least 60 people were killed and more than 100 injured.
The attack took place only hours after President Asif Ali Zardari made his first speech to Parliament, pledging to fight terrorism.
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