A recent building collapse has Nairobi's governor begging for real power. Governor Johnson Sakaja is demanding prosecution authority be handed back to the county government, arguing that the current system lets negligent developers escape justice. His plea follows a third day of rescue efforts at a collapsed structure in South C, where one more body was recovered.
Sakaja admitted public frustration over illegal constructions but stressed his hands are tied by bureaucracy. He says county officials must partner with national agencies, a slow process that delays accountability. While emphasizing due process and signed developer indemnities, he acknowledged the human toll is irreversible, stating lost lives cannot be brought back by prosecutions.
Rescue operations are about seventy percent complete, with crews working carefully through unstable rubble. The governor noted neighboring buildings will now be investigated for safety, which may force evacuations. He warned against knee-jerk demolitions of sound buildings, calling it unfair to owners. The national government commended rescue teams and asked for public patience as the delicate recovery continues.
Sakaja admitted public frustration over illegal constructions but stressed his hands are tied by bureaucracy. He says county officials must partner with national agencies, a slow process that delays accountability. While emphasizing due process and signed developer indemnities, he acknowledged the human toll is irreversible, stating lost lives cannot be brought back by prosecutions.
Rescue operations are about seventy percent complete, with crews working carefully through unstable rubble. The governor noted neighboring buildings will now be investigated for safety, which may force evacuations. He warned against knee-jerk demolitions of sound buildings, calling it unfair to owners. The national government commended rescue teams and asked for public patience as the delicate recovery continues.
