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CS Ruku says heads must roll after South C building collapse
02nd January, 2026 05:42 PM
Moments after arriving at the South C collapse site, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku faced the press and promised decisive action over the deadly incident.
In his message on Friday, January 2, 2026, Ruku stated that nobody would escape the long arm of the government once investigations are concluded.
Speaking at the scene, the CS struck a firm tone, warning that accountability would be enforced without fear or favour.
He said the government had already activated multiple agencies to establish what caused the building, which was still under construction, to come down.
According to Ruku, investigators are now focusing on whether construction regulations were ignored and whether substandard materials were used.
“Proper investigations are ongoing to know who is culpable for the construction of the building, who didn’t follow the regulations that are supposed to be followed, who didn’t use proper materials,” he said.
Arrests inevitable
Ruku was categorical that arrests would follow once evidence is gathered.
“Once we have evidence as far as that is concerned, all those involved will be arrested,” he stated, adding that the tragedy should serve as a warning to rogue developers across the country.
At the same time, the CS emphasised that rescue efforts remained a top priority, noting that several people were still unaccounted for beneath the rubble.
“We are not going to get out of this site until we get those four Kenyans who are suspected to be trapped inside,” Ruku said.
His remarks came as rescue teams continued working against time, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
The collapse has reignited concerns over the enforcement of building standards in Nairobi’s rapidly expanding skyline.
Safety concerns raised
Ruku also addressed fears surrounding nearby structures, revealing that experts were assessing adjacent buildings to determine whether they posed any danger.
“We are also checking on the structure and structural aspects of the adjacent building so that we can be sure whether it can continue,” he explained.
He urged the public to stay away from the site as investigations and assessments continue. “We wish to tell Kenyans not to be near the building,” Ruku warned.
However, he offered cautious reassurance, noting that early findings did not indicate immediate danger.
“At the moment, we cannot say whether there is a flaw. Preliminary report from experts is that the building is safe,” he said.
As the dust settles, Kenyans are now watching closely to see whether the tough words will translate into real accountability, in a tragedy that has once again exposed painful gaps in urban safety oversight.
