This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Nairobi's Tassia after a seven-storey building collapsed on Friday, December 6, 2019, burying dozens of its occupants. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the government's handling of safety and security issues.
According to Embakasi Deputy County Commissioner James Wanyoike, at least 35 people have been rescued from the rubble, while five bodies have been retrieved from the top five floors. Two of those rescued have since died at the Mama Lucy Hospital.
Wanyoike attributed the slow pace of the rescue operation to the heavy rains that have been affecting the area. He also stated that the rescue operation would be complete in another day or two.
The collapse of the building has raised concerns about the safety of residential structures in Nairobi, with many calling for a thorough audit of buildings to identify and demolish those that are unfit for habitation.
Stephen Mutoro, the secretary general of the Consumers Federation of Kenya, criticized the government's response to the crisis, saying it was obvious that they were not doing enough to protect the vulnerable.
At least 80 people have died in the past month in various incidents, including a traffic snarl-up in Gilgil, Nakuru, and an attack by Al Shabaab militants in Mandera that killed seven anti-stock theft officers and two civilians.
West Pokot County has also been affected by flooding and landslides, with dozens killed and 16 bodies still missing. Governor John Lonyangapuo has expressed frustration at the national government's slow response to the crisis.
Cabinet Secretaries responsible for various dockets have been criticized for not speaking out to ease the pain of Kenyans affected by these tragedies.
Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna defended the government's response, saying they had done everything in their power to address the situation and that cabinet secretaries did not have to respond in person.
