Fresh details have emerged regarding the victims of the building collapse incident in Kanduyi, Bungoma County that happened on May 10, 2024. 

It has since been established that a 17-year-old boy was among the two victims whose lives were tragically lost following the collapse.

The boy identified as Alvin Nakitare together with 20-year-old Geoffrey Musungu were part of a group that had entered the condemned structure in search of scrap metal to sell.

The building, which was partially demolished by the Bungoma County government last week to make way for the expansion and renovation of the Masinde Muliro Stadium, was the site of this tragic incident.

The stadium is set to host the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations.

Despite the ongoing demolition work, the area lacked proper safety measures, such as barriers or warning tape, to keep people away from the potentially dangerous site.

Also Read: Death Reported as Four-Storey Building Collapses on Womans House

This oversight has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place during such construction projects.

Rescue of the Victims

Police reported that the two victims were successfully rescued from the rubble but tragically succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the county referral hospital. 

Preliminary medical reports suggest that excessive bleeding was the cause of their untimely deaths.

In response to the tragedy, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has ordered an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the building collapse.

The investigation aims to uncover the root cause of the incident and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Controversy surrounding the building

The building that collapsed was reportedly riddled with controversy and was said to be owned by former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s family.

Wangamati’s father had accused the Bungoma County government of demolishing his Ksh500 million-storey building to facilitate the expansion of the Masinde Muliro stadium.

Additionally, he demanded compensation from the county government, maintaining that he obtained the land through legal means.

Speaking to the press on May 5, he said that the plot was advertised in 1968 by the government which sought an investor to run a petrol station.

Also Read: Several Feared Dead After Building set for Demolition Collapses

“I did not obtain this land illegally. It was advertised. I applied and got it, I was running to a petrol station called Ajip petrol station,” he said.

Wangamati, the former governor, also spoke out, stating that the government should invite them to discuss compensation and that the demolition was a political move to intimidate his family.

He emphasized that his father was a dedicated employee of the old Elgon Nyanza District Council and never engaged in any illegal activities, including land grabbing.

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