Editor's Review

Murkomen said the seven were occupants of the 11 shops on the ground floor of the ill-fated building.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that seven people are missing following the collapse of an 18-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

Murkomen said the seven were occupants of the 11 shops on the ground floor of the building that collapsed on Friday, October 23.

He confirmed that a multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), Nairobi City County Government, National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Red Cross and other government agencies had made contact with some of them.

"Seven people have been reported missing. The rescue team has made contact with some of them, and efforts are underway to rescue those trapped in the rubble," the CS wrote.

Murkomen called on anyone whose loved ones were missing in relation to the collapse to file a report with the Kenya Red Cross through its emergency number.

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A file image of CS Kipchumba Murkomen at the Estleigh Building collapse site.

He assured that the national and county governments have provided the multi-agency team with all needed support to expedite the search and rescue operation.

The Interior Boss said 67 construction workers were in the building when it collapsed, and all have been accounted for.

"66 escaped uninjured, while one sustained injuries and is in stable condition in hospital. Support for affected individuals and families, including psychosocial support, is being arranged," he reported.

Murkomen added that national and county government agencies launched a joint investigation to establish the cause of the building's collapse and assured Kenyans that anyone found culpable will be held accountable.

Meanwhile, he wished the injured a quick recovery and encouraged the families and loved ones of those who are reported missing.

Earlier, Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino raised concerns about whether the county government had done its due diligence to ensure that the building was constructed in compliance with the required standards.

He demanded to know how the local government approved permits for its construction and whether it conducted regular inspections of the site as required by law.

"Allegations of bribery and negligence in the approval process must be independently investigated. Those found culpable must be held accountable. The lives of Nairobi residents cannot be sacrificed at the altar of corruption and regulatory failure," Babu stated.