MOMBASA, Kenya — Security officials at Moi International Airport in Mombasa conducted a controlled detonation on Sunday after a suspicious unattended bag was discovered near the airport terminal, briefly triggering a security alert.
Authorities said the bag, which had been left in the airport’s car park area near the VIP lounge, prompted the immediate deployment of a bomb disposal unit and the evacuation of nearby sections of the facility as a precaution.
After the detonation and subsequent inspection, police confirmed that the bag did not contain explosives. Instead, it held various tools including spanners, pliers and a pressure pump used for inflating vehicle tyres.
Officials believe the bag may have been accidentally left behind by a passenger, although investigations are still underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Airport Sub-County Police Commander Evans Mose, security teams moved quickly to contain the situation once the unattended luggage was reported.
The discovery triggered an immediate security response, including the evacuation of nearby areas and the deployment of specialised bomb disposal experts.
Mose said officers followed standard airport security procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and airport staff.
Authorities sealed off the affected section for a short period while bomb disposal specialists used specialised equipment to neutralise the suspected threat.
The controlled detonation was carried out safely, and officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported during the operation.
Police say preliminary assessments indicate the bag may have been inadvertently dropped by a traveller, but investigations are continuing to determine its origin.
Authorities have also reviewed security protocols following the incident.
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Passengers travelling through the airport have been urged to remain vigilant, keep their belongings with them at all times and promptly report any suspicious items or behaviour to airport security personnel.
Security at major transport hubs across Kenya remains tight amid global concerns over aviation safety.
Airports such as Moi International Airport, one of Kenya’s busiest gateways serving coastal tourism and international travel, routinely conduct emergency drills and rapid response operations to address potential security threats.
Officials say Sunday’s incident demonstrated the importance of swift coordination between airport security teams and bomb disposal units in preventing potential risks.
