By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C, Nairobi.
The building came down in the early hours of 2 January 2026, leaving at least one person dead and another still missing.
In a press statement, the DPP expressed deep concern over the tragedy, calling it “a matter of the greatest concern.”
He extended heartfelt sympathies to affected families, saying, “We empathise with those still trapped and send our most sincere sympathies to their loved ones.”
The building, located along Muhoho Road in Lang’ata Constituency, was under construction when it collapsed around 5am.
Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross, National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), and police have been working tirelessly to locate survivors.
One body was recovered on Sunday, and search efforts continue for a second individual, believed to be a security guard.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, known as Jalang’o, condemned the incident as “tragic and unacceptable,” urging a halt to all construction in South C and Nairobi West until safety audits are completed.
The DPP has directed the Inspector General of Police to record statements from the developer, contractor, and officials responsible for approvals and inspections.
A full report is expected within seven days.
“Every person who enabled unsafe construction—public or private—must be held to account,” the DPP stated.
The ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to justice and public safety.
“We remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and protecting all citizens,” the statement said.