Nairobi regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has warned that the owner of the building that collapsed in Eastleigh and those who authorised its construction will face charges if investigations establish criminal negligence.
Mohamud said a thorough investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the multi-storey building along First Avenue, 9th Street, and identify individuals responsible for any wrongdoing.
He said authorities would not spare anyone found culpable, warning that those responsible for approving or overseeing the construction could be held accountable.
“Whoever is the owner, whoever authorised the building, all of them will be charged properly. But that will come after thorough investigation is done,” Mohamud said.
He added that the investigations would determine whether criminal negligence contributed to the collapse and establish the responsibility of each party involved.
“We will not excuse anybody on this matter. This has become now and then, and we will make sure that people face the law accordingly for any criminal negligence,” he said.
The police commander’s remarks came as emergency response teams continued search and rescue operations at the site, where people were reported to have been trapped beneath the rubble.
The 18-storey building, which was still under construction, had its ground floor occupied at the time of the incident, according to Nairobi City County.
Rescue teams were deployed to assess the structure and search for survivors, while machinery was brought in to remove debris and create access to sections of the collapsed building.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who visited the scene alongside county officials, said the building had not complied with construction guidelines and promised legal action against those responsible.
Sakaja said rescue officers were carefully clearing sections of the rubble to allow oxygen to reach people who could still be trapped inside.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said one person had been rescued as emergency teams worked to establish whether others remained trapped.
The collapse also triggered tension at the scene, with police officers using tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered to watch the rescue operation. The crowds had slowed movement along the surrounding streets as people surged towards the site.
Workers who escaped the collapse recounted hearing and feeling the building shake shortly before it came down.
One worker, Alexander Kitinda, said about 70 workers had been at the site, with many rushing to safety after noticing signs of danger.
Another worker, Joseph, said he had been working on an upper floor when he heard people shouting outside and went downstairs to investigate.
The exact number of people trapped or injured had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Authorities said investigations would establish the circumstances leading to the collapse and whether construction approvals, safety standards or other regulatory requirements had been breached.
