Police officers in Ruiru launched a manhunt for a landlord whose building collapsed on Tuesday, May 23, burying two construction workers.
Speaking to the press, the area Deputy County Commissioner Margaret Mbugua faulted the contractors and the owner of the building for the incident stating that they did not follow proper procedure.
Mbugua explained that the construction of the building had begun several weeks earlier and the workers dig up trenches and erected columns around the building.
They had returned to remove the wood supporting the columns when the structure collapsed because it could not stand the weight.
“If you look at the way the construction was happening, you can tell that they were not following the proper procedure.
“They came back to remove the wood that was supporting the columns and the workers who had gone to remove them were buried when the structure collapsed,” Mbugua stated.
One of the construction workers died while the survivor was rushed to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) in critical condition.
Further, Mbugua stated that after interrogating the contractor, police officers learnt that he did not have any necessary documents that authorised the construction of the building or that allowed him to oversee the work.
“When contractors start their work, they are supposed to have the necessary documents that guide the construction of a building. The contractor should also guide the workers on what to do because he is a professional.
“However, this contractor does not even have the necessary documents or authorisation to be leading this construction,” area deputy County Commissioner Margaret Mbugua stated.
She warned rogue contractors against going against the construction regulations to prevent such incidents from occurring.
The contractor and a driver who was operating the excavator were arrested as police launched a manhunt for the owner of the building.
