This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On September 27, 2019, a devastating classroom collapse at Precious Talent Academy in Dagoreti, Nairobi, claimed the lives of eight pupils.
As the community mourned, the Nairobi County government promised to provide financial support to the bereaved families. However, it has now emerged that the compensation money, which was meant to be Sh100,000 per family, was not paid.
A mourner, who spoke to the press, claimed that the families did not receive any money, despite the promises made by the county government, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken to his Facebook page to express his outrage over the matter, threatening to fire his staff if the money is not delivered to the families.
‘I swear by the name of the almighty God if this speaker in the attached video is talking the truth and not politics played by the area MP then I can see more staff going home,’ Sonko said.
According to Sonko, his Education CEC, chief officer finance, and chief officer Disaster Management confirmed that each family that lost a child received the money for funeral expenses. However, the mourner's claims contradict this statement.
‘Besides that the county provided eight coffins and transport to each family. Watasema hiyo pesa walitransfer kwanani [They will say where they transferred the money to],’ Sonko said, adding that ‘I don’t play with emotions especially with families that are mourning. I mean what I say and I will do a thorough follow up kesho.’
