DPP to DCI: Probe officials, developer and Eastleigh building approvals process

The Director of Public Prosecutions has ordered the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe whether the conduct of Nairobi County officials, the developer, contractors or other professionals involved in construction contributed to Friday's building collapse in Eastleigh.

"The probe will establish the circumstances that led to the collapse, including whether any act or omission by officials of the Nairobi City County Government, the private developer, contractors or other professionals involved in the planning, approval, supervision and construction of the building may have contributed to it," a statement issued on Monday said.

"Where sufficient evidence establishes criminal culpability, the ODPP shall take the necessary prosecutorial action against any persons found responsible, irrespective of their position or status."

'No file forwarded'

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) also said that the Nairobi County Government had never forwarded any inquiry file relating to the construction of the building. 

The assertion appeared to contradict a statement issued by governor Johnson Sakaja on Sunday, who said prosecution of people involved in similar building violations had been denied.

"We have repeatedly asked for the resumption of the power to prosecute such violations of such county and county related laws after this was taken away from County governments in 2024 (one such letter to the office of the DPP is attached)," Mr Sakaja said.