The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has ordered investigations into the collapse of a 16-storey building in South C, Nairobi, on Friday, January 2.
In a statement on Sunday, January 5, the DPP directed Inspector General of Police Dougas Kanja to spearhead the investigations and issue a comprehensive report on the incident to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution within the next seven days.
To aid in investigations, Ingonga has said that the IG should record statements from relevant individuals, including the developer and contractors, as well as officials responsible for building approvals, inspections, and enforcement.
"The DPP has directed the IGP to record statements from all relevant persons, including the developer and the contractor, and the persons responsible for the relevant building and construction approvals, inspections, and enforcement, and forward the resultant file for perusal and action within 7 days from the date hereof," DPP stated.
The DPP affirmed that swift investigations will be vital in ensuring that the rule of law, public interest, and the administration of justice are upheld.
"The DPP empathises with family members of those who were and are still trapped in the debris of the collapsed building, and sends to each of them his most sincere sympathies," DPP stated.
The structure came down at approximately 5am on Friday, trapping at least two people beneath the debris and triggering an emergency response involving the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit (NMDU), and the National Police Service.
As of Sunday, rescue teams confirmed that they had successfully retrieved one body from the rubble of the building, as the search for the second victim continues.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that the area has been cordoned off as search and rescue operations continue.
Following the incident, the Nairobi County Government revealed that the building had been flagged several months before the incident.
According to the county, the building, located at Plot No 209/5909/10 along Kiganjo Muhoho Avenue in South C Ward, had multiple serious infractions before it went down, and despite warnings, no action was taken by the owners.
"It is worth noting that the site has been subject to enforcement action by NCCG on varying dates in May, July, and December 2025 over a number of infractions," the county said.
