Collapsed Kaloleni building was on wetland, residents say

NAIROBI: The building that collapsed in Nairobi was on land that was allegedly grabbed, prompting protests from the locals.

According to Kaloleni Residents Association Chairman Ezra Olak, they had alerted and petitioned the county government to stop construction of the building because it was on public property and was on a wetland.

"We took a petition to them two years ago raising the issue of the grabbed land but no one heard us. We do not know the owner because construction has been going on at an alarming speed, even at night," said Mr Olak.

He said the speed at which the building had gone up, and the fact that it was on a wetland, had caused the collapse. Olak, who is also the Morticians' Association chairman, said the land was part of the Kaloleni Playing Field.

DOORS LOCKED

"We saw the danger coming and alerted authorities but we were not heard. Let us hear who will be blamed now," he said.

Police said they were looking for the owner of the five-storey building that had been occupied on two floors as construction on others continued.

Survivors said the building trembled whenever one ran up and down the staircase. Some said they tried to run out but could not because the doors had been blocked.

Joint rescue efforts by the military, Kenya National Disaster Operation Centre, Kenya Red Cross Society, Nairobi City Fire Brigade and National Youth Service were launched in efforts to rescue those who were trapped.

"We have learnt that the owner did not have the required documents to have the building occupied. He was building a sixth floor while people were living on the five floors," Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke said.