BREAKING: Nairobi Building Rescue Suspended as Trapped Victims Issue Urgent Warning

Rescue operations at the collapsed building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area were temporarily suspended on Friday, October 23, after people trapped beneath the rubble reportedly warned that the ongoing excavation was affecting their oxygen supply.

The suspension came at around 6pm as excavators stopped clearing debris and emergency teams held urgent discussions on how to continue the operation without putting survivors at greater risk.Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that one woman had been rescued alive.

He also revealed that rescuers had heard voices coming from inside the collapsed structure, raising hopes that more survivors could be found.

According to Sakaja, emergency workers had been carefully removing debris to allow fresh air to reach those trapped inside. However, concerns about the victims’ oxygen supply forced rescuers to review their approach.

Meanwhile, authorities have launched a manhunt for the building owner as investigations into the disaster continue.

Sakaja disclosed that the building had received construction approval from the Nairobi County Government but lacked an occupation certificate.

The revelation raised questions about how people were using the premises while construction was still ongoing.

The governor also expressed concern about developers who allegedly replace qualified professionals after receiving approval, potentially leaving projects under the supervision of people whose qualifications have not been verified.Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamed warned that anyone found responsible for the collapse would face the law. He added that the building owner had not reported to the police.

A casual labourer who had worked at the site claimed that more than 70 people, including construction workers and food vendors, might have been in the basement before the collapse.

However, authorities had not confirmed the figure or established the actual number of people trapped.

The building had reportedly reached 18 floors before collapsing along Yusuf Haji Avenue, next to Day to Day Supermarket on 9th Street.

Rescue teams from the Kenya Defence Forces, regular police, the General Service Unit, Kenya Red Cross and other agencies were deployed to search for survivors. Excavators, concrete breakers and sniffer dogs were also being used.

Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for an independent investigation into the building approval process amid concerns about possible corruption, negligence and poor enforcement of safety regulations.

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