Leaders demand action as search at South C collapsed building enters fifth day

Adan was buried at a ceremony attended by local leaders, led by their Member of County Assembly Abass Khalif. 

The search at the site entered its fifth day with hopes to clear the rubble on Wednesday. It is believed that the body of one missing person is under this rubble.

On Tuesday, MCA Khalif also visited the site where teams were still digging through the debris to support them. He demanded action on those responsible for the collapse. 

“This building could not have collapsed had the relevant agencies followed the laid-down procedures. We demand action as ordered by the chief prosecutors to tame such future incidents,” he said. 

The MCA vowed to push for an audit of buildings that have been approved and are under construction in the city for general safety. 

On Monday, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome visited the scene and warned that the architect behind the collapsed building could be deregistered if investigations establish criminal responsibility. 

On the other hand, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Sunday ordered immediate investigations into the collapse of the building. 

DPP Ingonga described the incident as tragic and raised serious concerns over possible lapses in construction and regulatory oversight.

The building collapsed on January 2, 2026, leaving two people trapped under the rubble and sparking a multi-agency rescue operation. 

Adan's body was retrieved from the debris on Sunday. 

The DPP expressed deep sympathy with the families of those affected by the disaster, particularly those whose loved ones were trapped or lost their lives in the collapse.

“To ensure that every person who enabled the unsafe construction is held to account, whether public or private,” the DPP directed Police Inspector General (IG) to immediately initiate or fast-track investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The IG was instructed to submit a comprehensive report to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) within seven days. 

Investigators have also been ordered to record statements from all relevant individuals, including the building’s developer and contractor, as well as officials responsible for approvals, inspections, and enforcement of building and construction standards.

The collapse of the building has raised concerns over compliance with building regulations in Nairobi, where rapid urban development has been accompanied by recurring questions of enforcement and oversight.