Kenyatta said that 14 civilians were confirmed dead and over 700 others had been evacuated to safety by security forces.

Kenyan police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said the attack began around 3 pm on Tuesday with an explosion targeting cars outside a bank followed by a detonation from a suicide bomber in the hotel lobby. As he spoke, a Reuters reporter on the scene reported heavy gunfire, then an explosion shortly afterwards.

Surveillance video showed three attackers dressed in black, running across the parking lot at 3:30 pm shortly followed by a fourth. At least two of the men were wearing green scarves in the close-up footage. One appeared to be wearing a green belt with grenades on it.

Terrorists easily and comfortably accessing Dusit premises is what worries me. We have several Embassies around with CCTVs installed everywhere. Remembering Westgate Attack, I can say we don't learn from mistakes. #RiversideAttack #KenyaAttack #WeShallOvercome Dusit pic.twitter.com/LFNjaB632d

— Real Nick Lee (@RealNickLeeKe) January 16, 2019

Two Kenyans in their early 30s, working with governance consultants Adam Smith International, were among the dead, a family member said. Both had young families, she said.

A Spanish national was among the injured, a Spanish diplomat told Reuters.

The US Embassy had offered assistance, a State Department official said, adding all American diplomats were safe.

Many told Reuters they had to leave colleagues behind, still huddled under their desks.

SABC News/Reuters