Building collapse: Lang’ata MP Odiwuor, residents demand urgent action in South C

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor 'Jalang'o' has called for urgent intervention following the collapse of a 14‑storey building under construction along Muhoho Road in the Shopping Centre area of South C, Friday morning.

“This is a tragic and unacceptable way to begin the year… Our greatest concern is the safety of those affected, and we pray that no lives have been lost,” Mr Odiwuor said.

The area MP demanded the immediate and total suspension of all construction activities in South C and Nairobi West wards until full approvals, safety audits, and compliance verifications are completed.

He urged relevant authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and accountability and called on families to remain calm.

The South C Residents Association, led by architect Abdulmalik Gichuki, said the collapse underscores longstanding safety concerns over regulatory oversight and compliance with Nairobi City County building standards.

“We have repeatedly raised issues about approvals and enforcement in this area. This tragedy highlights why stronger oversight is critical,” Mr Gichuki said.

The association has called for a review of all approved developments in South C to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rescue operations and official updates

Emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross Society, National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), Nairobi County officials, National Police Service, and Kenya Defence Forces, are combing the rubble in search of survivors.

Police confirmed one pedestrian was injured and hospitalised. Search teams are also looking for security guards who were reportedly on duty at the site at the time of collapse.

Authorities have cordoned off the area, with engineers assessing neighbouring buildings for stability to prevent secondary collapses.