Police Warn TikTokers Against Livestreaming Eastleigh Building Rescue Operations

Police Warn TikTokers Against Livestreaming Eastleigh Building Rescue Operations

Police have warned TikTokers, social media influencers and citizen journalists against livestreaming rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, saying the broadcasts could interfere with efforts to locate and rescue survivors.

Incident Police Commander Duncan Ochieng issued the warning during a situation briefing on Tuesday, October 27, urging content creators at the scene to stop live broadcasts and allow emergency teams to work without unnecessary interference.

Ochieng acknowledged that social media coverage was providing updates to the public but cautioned that livestreaming from the rescue site could compromise the ongoing operation.

“Some of us here have been doing live recording on TikTok and all these other platforms. This jeopardizes our operation, so I would urge you to desist from that so that the operation can be done in the most effective way. What we are doing here, we are doing it based on international standards,” Ochieng stated.

The warning comes as content creators with large online followings continue to visit the scene to document developments following the collapse of the building on Friday, October 23.

Some creators have attracted attention for providing detailed updates, interviews and commentary as rescue teams work to establish the extent of the disaster and account for people who may have been trapped.

However, authorities have raised concerns about activities that could disrupt the coordination of emergency responders.

Police Cite International Rescue Standards

Ochieng said the multi-agency response was being conducted in line with international standards, with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group providing oversight and technical guidance.

He urged members of the public and media practitioners to avoid actions that could interfere with the rescue process, stressing the need for coordinated work among the different teams at the scene.

The commander also disclosed that rescue personnel had received equipment donations from well-wishers, including acoustic light detectors, which were being used during the operation.

Such equipment can assist responders in assessing conditions around collapsed structures and searching for signs of life in areas that are difficult to access.

The warning highlights the challenge authorities face in balancing public access to information with the need to protect rescue operations and ensure emergency personnel can work safely.

Kenya Red Cross Updates Missing Persons Cases

Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross has continued tracing people reported missing following the Eastleigh building collapse.

George Ndono, head of the organisation’s Lower Eastern Region, said 30 of the 52 cases recorded in its tracing book had been closed after survivors were reunited with their families.

Ndono said the latest case had been reported on Tuesday morning, leaving 20 cases outstanding, according to the update provided.

The figures reflect the ongoing effort to establish the whereabouts of people who may have been at the construction site when the building came down.

The tracing process involves gathering information from families, identifying survivors and helping relatives establish whether their loved ones have been accounted for.

The number of unresolved cases may change as authorities verify reports and reconcile information from different agencies.

Chinese Specialists Join Rescue Efforts

The rescue operation has also received support from Chinese construction equipment manufacturer XCMG Group, which deployed heavy machinery and specialist teams to assist responders.

An excavator was reportedly delivered on the first day of the operation, followed by a 25-tonne crane the next day.

ALSO READ: Ndindi Nyoro Disputes Methu’s Ol Kalou Campaign Claim, Reveals Gachagua’s Role

Police Warn TikTokers Against Livestreaming Eastleigh Building Rescue Operations