Demolished in Mombasa building sparks probe
Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and a multi-agency team for successfully demolishing a nine-storey building that partially collapsed last week at Kilifi Corner in Fayaz Estate, along Abdel Nasser Road.
The high-risk demolition, which took place on Wednesday, was executed safely and efficiently, with no casualties reported. Governor Nassir confirmed that only minor damage occurred to nearby properties, including shattered window panes, due to the controlled explosion.
To ensure public safety, key roads—including the entry to Mombasa Island via Nyali Bridge—were barricaded early in the morning. Authorities faced some challenges evacuating nearby residents, but the building was safely brought down at exactly 12:55 PM.
Speaking after the operation, Governor Nassir lauded the coordinated efforts of the response team, led by the KDF. He further revealed that investigations into the cause of the collapse are already underway.
“We are determined to get to the bottom of this matter and take firm action against anyone found responsible. This kind of negligence cannot be tolerated,” the governor stated.
Residents were advised to avoid the area for at least two hours post-demolition, allowing emergency crews to clear the debris and assess the structural integrity of surrounding buildings.
Meanwhile, Irshad Sumra, spokesperson for the building’s developers, termed the incident “unfortunate” and insisted that the project had followed all necessary construction protocols set by the county government. He also pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigations.
The building, which had been a growing safety concern since it initially caved in, is now completely flattened. Authorities have vowed to move swiftly to ensure such incidents do not recur in the region.