Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a thorough probe into the collapse of a multi-storey building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, an incident that has reportedly left people injured, property lost and others missing.
In a press statement issued Monday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it had “taken note of media reports” on the collapse. The DPP said he gave the directive under Article 157(4) of the Constitution, citing “the gravity of the incident and the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse.”
The ODPP also moved to clarify the record on the building’s history. As of the date of the statement, it said, no inquiry file on the construction of the building had ever been forwarded to it by the Nairobi City County Government. That covers any alleged malfeasance by the private developer, professionals or county officials, for perusal and directions.
The investigation will establish what led to the collapse. It will examine whether any act or omission by Nairobi City County officials, the private developer, contractors or other professionals involved in the planning, approval, supervision and construction of the building “may have contributed to the incident.”
Next steps
Once the DCI completes its work, it will forward the inquiry file to the ODPP for independent review. “Where sufficient evidence establishes criminal culpability,” the statement said, the ODPP will take prosecutorial action against those found responsible, “irrespective of their position or status.”
A warning to the industry
The DPP expressed sympathy to those injured and to all who lost property. He also cautioned developers, contractors, construction professionals and relevant public officials against disregarding building regulations, safety standards and statutory approval requirements. Any conduct amounting to a criminal offence, he said, would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The ODPP reiterated its commitment to “the rule of law, accountability and the independent, impartial and effective discharge of its constitutional mandate,” and said it would keep working with investigative agencies.
The statement did not give a casualty count, the building’s address or the identity of its owner or developer, and it did not say how many people remain missing.
