Evict all tenants in risky houses, President Uhuru Kenyatta orders

President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered eviction of persons living in residential houses at a risk of collapsing.

The President also ordered immediate arrest of owners of the houses with architectural questions. In a statement on his tweeter account, Uhuru also ordered Kenya National Disaster Operation Centre to undertake immediate survey of houses likely to collapse.

“I have instructed officials of Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to immediately move people from houses at a risk of collapsing. Those in houses that risk collapsing will be ordered to move immediately,” Uhuru tweeted.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said 10 persons had been confirmed dead even as the search and rescue mission for persons trapped in the building in Huruma estate continued. The building collapsed following heavy rains that pounded the city Friday evening. Uhuru visited the scene of the collapsed building accompanied by Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke, Women Representative Rachel Shebesh, Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.

Boinett said amanhunt for the owner of the fateful house has been launched. He asked the person identified as Samwel Kamau to surrender to the nearest police station for questioning.

“The owner of the collapsed building in Huruma is being sought by Nairobi Area Police and should report immediately to record statement,“ said Boinnet.

Nkaissery asked the police to find the owner of the building, architect and engineer. He also asked the public gathered at the scene to clear the scene to for smooth rescue operations.