Africa-Press – Kenya. Rescue teams have successfully retrieved one body from the rubble of a collapsed 16-storey building in South C as the search for a second victim enters its third day.
The recovery operation, which began after the building collapsed along Muhoho Road on Friday, January 2, has been marked by caution and precision as multi-agency teams work tirelessly to locate the remaining victim.
The structure came down at approximately 5am, trapping at least two people beneath the debris and triggering an emergency response involving the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit (NMDU), and the National Police Service.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, described the incident as a tragic start to the year.
“This is a tragic and unacceptable way to begin the year. At approximately 5:00 a.m. today, a 16-storey building under construction collapsed along Muhoho Road in South C, Lang’ata Constituency, leaving several people trapped beneath the rubble,” Jalang’o said.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for systemic reforms following the collapse.
“We demand stronger enforcement mechanisms in Nairobi City County to ensure that every structure meets the highest safety standards, not just those with connections. Lives cannot be rebuilt. But systems can,” Babu said.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the area has been cordoned off as search and rescue operations continue.
Authorities have raised concerns about a nearby building potentially collapsing due to structural movements caused by the incident.
NMDU said the safety of the neighbouring structure will be evaluated by the National Construction Authority (NCA) once response teams finish operations on the first and ground floors.
Residents have been advised to remain alert as a precaution while rescue efforts continue for the second trapped victim.
