This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 24, 2019, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko cut short his trip to New York following the tragic collapse of a classroom at Precious Talents School in Dagoretti South, which claimed the lives of seven pupils.
According to a video clip circulating on social media, Governor Sonko explained to a bystander why he had decided to return to Kenya.
"Wewe ndio wa mwisho mheshimiwa (You're the last in line Your Excellency)," a bystander is heard remarking, to which the governor responded, "Nimecuta trip yangu short, kuna janga huko nyumbani (I've had to cut my trip short because of a tragedy back home).">
During his trip, Governor Sonko had traveled to the United States to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting, where President Uhuru Kenyatta was also expected to place Kenya's bid to join the UN Security Council.
Following the tragedy, Governor Sonko announced that his government would cater for the funeral expenses of the seven children who lost their lives.
He also vowed to take stern action against county officials responsible for inspecting schools, stating that they would lose their jobs and be arrested over the matter.
Investigating authorities are yet to establish the cause of the collapsed wall, with experts suggesting that poor construction is to blame.
The school manager has maintained that the Nairobi County Government is to blame, alleging that they tampered with the building's foundation as they constructed a sewer line.
