Babu Owino Rejects Sakaja’s Apology Demand, Fires Back Over Eastleigh Building Collapse

Babu Owino Rejects Sakaja’s Apology Demand, Fires Back Over Eastleigh Building Collapse

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rejected a demand to apologise over his statements concerning the collapse of a 16-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, insisting that questions about public safety and accountability must be addressed.

Through his lawyers, the legislator dismissed a six-hour ultimatum issued by a legal team representing the alleged developer of the collapsed building, arguing that the matter raises serious concerns that cannot be brushed aside through threats of legal action.

In a legal response dated October 26, 2026, Owino maintained that he would not apologise to either the alleged developer or Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for demanding answers following the tragedy.

“Our client takes a strong exception to your attempt to characterise his statements concerning the collapsed Eastleigh building as defamatory when the tragedy raises serious questions about public safety, regulatory oversight and accountability,” his legal team stated.

The lawyers argued that Owino’s comments were made in the context of a public tragedy that has raised questions about building approvals, construction standards and the responsibilities of government authorities.

Babu Owino Says He Will Not Be Silenced

The MP’s legal team further rejected the demand for an apology, maintaining that the threat of litigation would not stop him from questioning the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

“Our client will neither apologise to your client nor to Governor Johnson Sakaja for demanding answers over a tragedy that has claimed lives and left families devastated. He has no intention of being bullied into silence, and a threat of litigation will not make questions of public interest disappear.”

Owino’s lawyers also questioned the wording of the demand letter, noting that it addressed the legislator as “Madam”. They raised concerns about whether the letter had been prepared and issued with the necessary attention to detail.

The response followed a letter from lawyer Elisha Gweth Onyango, who was acting on behalf of the alleged developer. The lawyer accused Owino of publishing defamatory content on X and Facebook on October 25, 2026.

According to the demand letter, the MP shared a purported Nairobi County Government Notification of Approval that identified the developer as the registered physical planner for a development on the parcel of land where the building stood.

The developer’s legal team disputed that description, stating that its client was an architect rather than a physical planner. The lawyers reportedly attached a practising certificate to support their client’s position.

They demanded that Owino remove the social media post within six hours, warning that legal proceedings could follow if he failed to comply.

Owino’s response makes clear that he intends to continue seeking explanations from Sakaja and the relevant county authorities over the building’s approval and the events preceding its collapse.

ODPP Raises Questions Over Eastleigh Investigation

The dispute has unfolded alongside questions about the investigation into the building collapse and the role of Nairobi County officials.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) recently stated that it had not received an inquiry file from the county government relating to possible wrongdoing by the developer, professionals or county officials.

The statement followed claims concerning county action against individuals linked to the building before it collapsed.

The ODPP subsequently directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible involvement of developers, contractors, professionals and county officials.

The investigations are expected to establish whether criminal negligence or other offences occurred and whether the available evidence supports prosecution.

Building Collapse Intensifies Accountability Debate

The Eastleigh tragedy has intensified public scrutiny of construction approvals, building safety inspections and enforcement of development regulations in Nairobi.

While the legal dispute centres on whether Owino’s statements were defamatory, the wider investigation concerns the circumstances that led to the building’s collapse and whether any individuals or institutions failed in their responsibilities.

The allegations against the developer, the county authorities and other parties remain subject to investigation. Any criminal liability will need to be established through the appropriate legal process.

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Babu Owino Rejects Sakaja’s Apology Demand, Fires Back Over Eastleigh Building Collapse