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Operation head: 4 feared trapped after South C building collapse
02nd January, 2026 03:53 PM
The head of operations at the South C building collapse confirmed that four people are feared trapped in the rubble after the 16‑storey building under construction collapsed in Nairobi.
Speaking to the media on Friday, January 2, 2025, William Sifuna said the rescue teams immediately moved to the scene to try to free the trapped individuals while securing the surrounding area and clearing debris that blocked nearby roads.
“Right now, we are suspecting that 4 people are trapped in the debris. As we continue with the rescue mission, the adjacent building has been affected, and we want to move the residents to safety. We are trying our very best to see who we can save, and we also want to clear the roads blocked by the debris,” he said.
The collapse caused chaos in the busy commercial and residential area, raising concerns about the safety of adjacent buildings. Emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, National Disaster Management Unit, and the National Police Service, coordinated search and rescue operations.
The incident prompted urgent calls for accountability and stricter enforcement of construction regulations. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris condemned the collapse as a result of negligence and weak oversight, calling for justice and compensation for the victims.
“There is no justification for rushing, shortcuts, or ignoring safety standards when human life is involved. This tragedy must be a wake-up call. Rogue investors and negligent professionals must be held fully accountable. Families who lose loved ones deserve justice and compensation. For now, our focus remains on rescue and saving lives. Accountability must follow, and it must be firm,” Passaris stated
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also highlighted the incident as a reflection of broader safety lapses in Nairobi’s construction sector. He urged a full investigation into the building project’s approvals and inspections, emphasising the need for stronger enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms: •Any corruption or bribery that undermines building safety and public trust. •Approvals granted without full compliance with technical and legal requirements. •A culture of impunity where county officials, developers, and professionals escape accountability.”
