Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir has confirmed the retrieval of the body of a man who died in a recent controlled demolition of a multi-storey building.
The nine-storey structure in Kilifi Corner within Fayaz Estate has posed a safety threat to residents after it was seen to have started sinking.
Mombasa County government authorised the demolition of the building to avert a disaster that was in the offing.
The controlled demolition overseen by technical professionals from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was undertaken on Wednesday, April 9.
Unfortunately, Yusuf was trapped inside in the course of the demolition.
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According to the governor, Yusuf did not respond to the county's evacuation efforts and therefore died under the debris.
The body was retrieved on Sunday morning, April 13, and taken to the morgue ahead of the autopsy.
"This was unfortunate...it was the first time that we saw a building being put down through controlled demolition... The deceased happened to be there before the building was titled. We tried to evacuate him before, but it was impossible," Abdulswamad said.
The governor pledged support to the bereaved family as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
"On behalf of the County Government of Mombasa and the people of this great county, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Yusuf Ali Abdi. This is a painful loss, not only to those who knew him personally, but to our entire community.
We stand in full solidarity with the bereaved family during this profoundly difficult time and wish to assure them of our continued support. May the Almighty grant you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead," he said.
