Nairobi, Kenya: An architect involved in construction of the Huruma residential building that collapsed and killed five people has been arrested.

Police said they are yet to get the other officials wanted over the incident, including engineers and owners of the building.

The arcitect was yesterday detained by detectives at Starehe CID offices. CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro said they are still looking for the female owners of the building.

“Let them surrender to the police wherever they are. They are needed to answer many issues regarding the killer house,” said Muhoro.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAK) is planning an audit of collapsed buildings to identify culpable public officers.

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CAJ is concerned about dereliction of duty by county government officials charged with approval and construction and inspection of buildings.

SYSTEMATIC AUDITS

Senior Manager, Advocacy and Communications in the office of the Ombudsman Phoebe Nadupoi said besides the specific investigation on Huruma building, the commission will also undertake a systematic audit of buildings that have collapsed in Nairobi within the last 10 years.

“This is with a view to establishing factors behind the incidents, omissions and commissions by public officials, who have the responsibility of ensuring that quality buildings are developed,” she said. Ms Nadupoi said the commission is mandated to inquire into systemic government bodies and make recommendations and advisories aimed at improving public service and administration of justice.

“The office of the Ombudsman notes that these incidents point to inherent issues in the construction process that precipitate the unfortunate accidents which Kenyans cannot afford to ignore. The Ombudsman has since notified Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero about the investigations,” she added.

The investigation is prompted by the tragedies witnessed recently, resulting from collapsing buildings that have caused loss of life, injuries and destruction of property.