First Body Recovered from Collapsed Eastleigh Building

Rescuers have retrieved the body of the first casualty from the collapsed multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi. 

In a statement on Friday, October 30, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan said the victim was a woman. 

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He expressed grief over the woman's death and extended his condolences to her family and loved ones. 

“I have just received the terrible news that rescuers have retrieved the first casualty, a woman, from the collapsed multi-storey building on 9th Street in Eastleigh. I am deeply grieved and saddened by this loss.

“My heartfelt condolences go to her family, her loved ones and all who knew her. May they find strength and comfort during this painful time,” read the statement in part. 

Hassan urged the rescue teams to maintain their efforts, saying families of those still missing were anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.

Further, the Kamukunji lawmaker asked the disaster management teams to accelerate the operation and urged relevant government agencies to provide the resources needed to rescue those still trapped.

“I urge the disaster management teams to redouble their efforts and accelerate the operation, and I call on all relevant agencies to provide every resource needed to bring the remaining victims out as quickly and safely as possible,” Hassan added. 

The 18-storey building, which was still under construction, collapsed on Friday, October 23. 

Speaking after the incident, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said seven people were missing following the collapse. 

CS Murkomen said the seven were occupants of the 11 shops on the ground floor of the building. 

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," he stated. 

The Interior Boss also 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," added Murkomen.