By Robert Wanyonyi
Several people are feared trapped under the rubble of a three-storey building that collapsed while under construction.
Kenya Red Cross Society ( KRCS) officials co-ordinating rescue efforts retrieved one body from the rubble while another person died in hospital.
"We are getting conflicting information over exactly how many people are buried underneath the building. While the proprietor says three people are missing, construction workers are telling us 10 people are missing," said a KRCS official, who requested anonymity.
The building, owned by Sharrifâs and Sons, caved in on Monday evening as the workers prepared to close for the day.
"I survived by Godâs miracle. I was just ascending the stairs when I noticed that the building was crumbling. I immediately dived to the left side near an entrance and thatâs how I survived!" said a shaken proprietor, Mr Naz Sharrif.
Poor workmanship
He wondered how the building that has been under construction for the past one year collapsed despite strict supervision by engineers.
The building was meant to be a five-star hotel.
But Upper Western Regional Commissioner Rashid Mohammed blamed poor workmanship for the tragedy and said the Government will launch investigation to establish the quality of work and if those who were undertaking construction were qualified.
"We want to establish whether they were licensed and if the quality of work done meets the laid-down regulations. Otherwise, the Government is going to take stern action against those found to have caused this tragedy," said Mr Mohammed.
Five people who sustained serious injuries were rushed to Bungoma District Hospital.
