Several Feared Dead After Building set for Demolition Collapses

Several people are feared dead and others trapped after a storey building collapsed in Kanduyi, Bungoma County.

Preliminary reports indicated that at least two people had been confirmed dead following the incident which happened on May 10, 2024. 

In the widely circulated videos, the building could be spotted bent on one of its sides with other photos showing some people trapped.

Meanwhile, authorities dispatched rescue teams to the scene to rescue the people trapped in the rubble as members of the public milled around the scene to catch a glimpse of what had happened.

The building is reported to have been earmarked for demolition by the government and was partially demolished, leaving it unstable and posing danger to the public.

Also Read: Families Evacuated After Residential Apartment Develops Cracks

A section of area youth quickly rushed to the scene upon the collapse and began scavenging for metal scraps.

Building linked to former Bungoma Governor

The collapsed building is reported to be owned by former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s family.

Recently, Wangamati’s father accused the Bungoma County government of demolishing his Ksh500 million-storey building.

The demolition was set to pave the way for expansion of the Masinde Muliro stadium.

Wangamati’s father demanded for compensation from the county government stating that he acquired the land through legal means.

Masinde Muliro stadium is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations with the incident happening just as plans are underway for the event.

Also Read: Death Reported as Four-Storey Building Collapses on Woman’s House

Interior Permanent Secretary Raymond Omollo on May 9 led a delegation from the National Celebrations Steering Committee for an inspection and assessment visit of the Stadium and related facilities in Bungoma County.

The inspection and assessment were part of the preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebration.

This collapse follows another incident where an apartment in Nairobi County collapsed on the night of May 7, 2024, at Nairobi’s Mountain View Ward, Westlands Sub County.

Apartment collapses in Nairobi

The 10-storey apartment which is located near the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) began by sinking before it collapsed.

No fatalities were however reported as the Disaster Management Unit in its report accounted for all the thirty-four residents housed in the collapsed building.

In an update on Wednesday, Nairobi County government officials said it had accounted for the residents following Tuesday’s incident.

Meanwhile, the National Construction Authority (NCA) while issuing directive on construction works in the country ordered for the cessation of new construction activities at the onset of heavy rains and flooding in the country.

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