Investigators get more time to finish probe on Huruma building collapse

The prosecution has been given two more weeks to complete their investigation into three government officials and owners of a collapsed building in Nairobi.

Milimani Resident Magistrate Edda Agade allowed an application by the prosecution and directed them to speed up the process since they had been granted 21 more days for the same purpose.

The five suspects who appeared in court yesterday were Samuel Karanja, Henry Karanja, National Construction Authority Director Chrispas Ndinyo, Director of Planning and Compliance in the Nairobi County Government Justus Kathenge and Mathare Sub-County Administrator Seline Ogallo.

"The prosecution had requested earlier for 21 more days, which they were granted, and this time they need to convince court why they need more time," said the magistrate.

Ms Agade urged the prosecution to explain what they have been able to do in the 21 days and what was still pending.

State Counsel Catherine Mwaniki said that within 21 days they were able to get some survey maps but required some more documents from 2011 when the construction of the building in Huruma commenced.

"We want to confirm whether the alleged owners of the building could be the original owners and we require documents from the Ministry of Lands, Kenya Power and Ministry of Water among others," said Ms Mwaniki.

She said that they wanted to settle on a final offence once investigations were complete.