Authorities Launch Manhunt for Eastleigh Building Owner as Approval Details Emerge

Authorities Launch Manhunt for Eastleigh Building Owner as Approval Details Emerge

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the owner of the 18-storey building that collapsed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area on Friday, October 23, as rescue teams race to locate people feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed that the building had received an approval certificate from the county government but lacked an occupation certificate, raising questions about how businesses and other activities were taking place inside the structure while construction was still ongoing.

The governor said the county would pursue those found responsible for the collapse, including individuals who may have authorised or supervised the construction.

He added that the building’s owner had not presented himself to the police as authorities sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Rescue operation suspended over oxygen concerns

In an update issued at 6pm on Friday, October 23, rescue teams temporarily suspended debris removal after people reportedly trapped beneath the rubble warned that the ongoing operations were affecting their oxygen supply.

Excavators were halted as emergency responders consulted on how to proceed without further compromising the air supply to potential survivors.

The development complicated an already delicate rescue operation, with teams working to remove debris while avoiding further risks to people believed to be alive inside the collapsed structure.

Sakaja said rescuers had heard people communicating from within the rubble and were carefully clearing debris to create space for oxygen to reach them.

One woman had been rescued by the time of the update, while the total number of people trapped remained unknown.

Sakaja raises concerns over construction professionals

The governor also questioned the conduct of developers who allegedly replace qualified professionals after obtaining construction approvals, potentially leaving projects under the supervision of people whose credentials have not been properly verified.

He urged architects, engineers and other professionals to report cases where they are dismissed after approvals have been secured.

“We are appealing to all professionals that once you are given an approval and later fired, you must report to the regulators as well as the county government, because from the look here it appears like there was no professional on site,” Sakaja said.

His remarks came amid growing scrutiny of the building approval process and the enforcement of construction regulations in Nairobi.

The absence of an occupation certificate raised questions about whether the structure had been cleared for use. However, the precise circumstances surrounding its occupation and the cause of the collapse had not been established.

Sakaja warned that anyone found criminally negligent would face legal action.

More than 70 people feared trapped

A casual labourer who had been at the site before taking a lunch break told reporters that more than 70 people could have been in the basement area.

The estimate reportedly included construction workers, food sellers and other service providers who operated around the building.

However, the figure had not been independently verified, and authorities had not confirmed how many people were inside the structure when it collapsed.

The building stood along Yusuf Haji Avenue, next to Day to Day Supermarket on 9th Street. A video obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the structure shortly before the collapse, with up to 18 floors visible.

Multi-agency teams lead search for survivors

The rescue operation brought together personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, General Service Unit, regular police, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, Bomb Disposal Unit, National Youth Service, Kenya Red Cross and other specialised emergency teams.

Excavators, concrete breakers and sniffer dogs were deployed to help clear debris and locate possible survivors.

Nairobi police leadership urged residents to keep away from the site to allow emergency responders to work safely and efficiently.

Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for an independent investigation into the building approval system, citing concerns about alleged corruption, negligence and weak enforcement.

The investigation is expected to examine the approvals issued, compliance with construction requirements and the responsibilities of those involved in the project.

For families awaiting news of missing relatives, the immediate priority remained the safe recovery of anyone trapped beneath the rubble. The search was continuing as authorities worked to establish accountability for the collapse.

ALSO READ: Several Feared Trapped as 18-Storey Building Collapses in Nairobi’s Eastleigh

Authorities Launch Manhunt for Eastleigh Building Owner as Approval Details Emerge