A man was shot dead outside the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi after attempting to attack a paramilitary guard outside the building Thursday.
"The pedestrian was passing along the U.N. avenue, attacked the officer, police officer, with a knife.," said Vitalis Otieno, Senior Superintendent Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Gigiri, told VOA. "After stabbing the police officer, my police officer was armed, he shot him and he died on the spot."
The embassy confirmed that no American personnel were involved.
Otieno said an investigation is underway and there is not enough information to determine whether this was a terrorist act.
The embassy is closed for the evening, and the Ambassador and senior staff are reviewing operations for tomorrow.
U.S. State Department Spokesman John Kirby said the situation will be closely monitored and information will be released as needed to help U.S. citizens make informed travel decisions.
VOA's Jill Craig and Steve Herman contributed to this report.
