An 18-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, collapsed on Friday, October 23, 2026, while still under construction, trapping construction workers and business operators. The collapse has sparked widespread concern and calls for stronger building-safety checks. ODM chairperson Oburu Oginga has expressed deep pain and sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy. He praised rescue teams from various agencies for their relentless efforts in searching for people trapped beneath the rubble.
Oburu Oginga attributed the disaster to regulatory failures and greed, stating that authorities must prioritize human life over profit. He demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and strict legal action against all culpable parties. According to Oburu, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of regulatory failure and greed. He commended the rescue teams and expressed empathy for the affected families.
The ODM chairperson identified tenant verification as one of three urgent measures needed to prevent similar tragedies. He urged prospective tenants to confirm that buildings have passed safety and occupancy checks before moving in. Oburu emphasized that no one should risk their life due to corners being cut. This call for action aims to ensure that tenants are protected from the dangers of substandard construction.
Oburu also called on authorities to crack down on developers and contractors who compromise structural safety for quick profits or take dangerous shortcuts. He stated that officials responsible for overseeing construction should face scrutiny if they allow unsafe buildings to be built. The regulatory authorities, according to Oburu, must be held fully accountable for turning a blind eye to substandard construction.
By Tuesday afternoon, rescue teams had managed to pull four people from the building. Oburu demanded that authorities take action against developers who flout construction standards and hold officials responsible for oversight accountable. He emphasized that lives must always come before profit. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of buildings in Nairobi and the need for stricter regulations.
The building collapse in Eastleigh has resulted in an outcry for stronger building-safety checks and greater accountability. Oburu's call for action has resonated with many Kenyans, who are demanding that authorities take concrete steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the construction industry and regulatory authorities to prioritize building safety.
The investigation into the building collapse is expected to reveal the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Oburu's three-point warning serves as a reminder of the importance of building safety and the need for collective action to prevent such disasters. The incident has also highlighted the importance of tenant verification and the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring that buildings meet safety and occupancy standards.
Key points
- Oburu Oginga calls for stronger building-safety checks and accountability for officials responsible for oversight.
- The ODM chairperson demands a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for the building collapse.
- Oburu emphasizes the importance of tenant verification and stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
