Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has called for criminal charges against officials and professionals he says, who should be held responsible for the deadly South C building collapse.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, January 2, 2025, Alai raised serious concerns about how the building was approved and later altered, arguing that the tragedy was not an accident but the result of failure, negligence and corruption within planning and enforcement systems.

Alai said the building in question was originally approved for a limited number of floors but was later extended beyond what had been sanctioned, putting lives at risk. He argued that such violations do not happen by chance and pointed to officials and professionals who, in his view, should have stopped the project before it became dangerous.

“I am told that this building was built on LR. NO. 209/5909/10 was initially approved for 12 floors. 5 more floors were added,” Alai stated

The MCA said the collapse reflects a wider problem in Nairobi where rules are ignored, and safety is compromised, especially in fast-growing residential areas. He argued that illegal construction continues because those tasked with oversight either look the other way or actively participate in wrongdoing.

Alai stated that the officers who should be held responsible are;
Chief Officer Planning
Director of Physical Planning / County Planner
Assistant Directors / Development Control Officers
County Building Inspector(s)
Structural Engineer(s) of Record
Architect(s) of Record
Quantity Surveyor
Contractor / Developer / Property Owner
Langata Sub-County Enforcement Unit Commander

Alai said accountability must go beyond administrative action and insisted that criminal responsibility should be pursued where lives are lost. He noted that families affected by the collapse deserve justice and answers, not silence or internal reports that lead nowhere.

“Some of the crimes they can be charged with include manslaughter, criminal negligence, institutional corruption and even systemic abuse of office,” Alai wrote

Unsafe buildings and structures

The MCA also linked the collapse to a culture of bribery that, he said, has allowed unsafe buildings and structures to mushroom across the city. He warned that unless this culture is confronted directly, similar tragedies will continue to occur.

“They are allowing illegal buildings and billboards all over as long as they are bribed,” he stated

Alai said the South C incident should serve as a turning point for Nairobi County and national authorities to clean up the construction approval process. He called for firm action to restore public trust and protect residents who often move into buildings believing they are safe. According to him, justice for victims starts with holding those in authority accountable for decisions that cost lives.