Police have launched a manhunt for the owner of an 18-storey building that collapsed in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday afternoon, as emergency teams race to rescue people feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the manhunt while speaking at the scene, saying the building was partially occupied at the time of the incident, with tenants on the basement and ground floors.
The number of people affected by the collapse has not yet been established, raising concerns about the possibility of casualties as rescue operations continue.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time in Eastleigh
The building, which was still under construction, collapsed at around 1 pm along 9th Street in Eastleigh.
Rescue teams drawn from various emergency response agencies are working to reach survivors who may be trapped beneath the debris.
The Kenya Red Cross has also set up a tent at the scene to support emergency operations and assist families searching for their loved ones.
Authorities are yet to confirm the number of people who were inside the building when it came down or establish the full extent of the damage.
Sakaja Calls for Tougher Laws Against Rogue Developers
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for amendments to the law to empower county governments to take legal action against developers who violate building regulations.
Sakaja said the county had formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), seeking consideration of its request for stronger legal powers against developers who disregard construction rules.
“We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered. Counties must be empowered to take firm action against rogue developers who disregard building regulations and put lives at risk,” Sakaja said.
The collapse has renewed attention on building safety, construction oversight and enforcement of regulations in Nairobi, as rescue teams continue searching the rubble for possible survivors.
