The search for survivors and victims of the Eastleigh building collapse has taken another grim turn after rescue teams discovered three more bodies beneath the rubble, almost two weeks after the structure came crashing down. As the operation enters its 14th day, families of missing people continue to wait at the scene, hoping for answers about their loved ones.
Highlights
- Three additional bodies have been located in the collapsed building.
- Two were spotted on Wednesday night, while another was found early Thursday, November 5.
- Four people have so far been rescued alive.
- Families have been asked to visit Nairobi City Mortuary to assist with identification.
- The collapse has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of building regulations.
Main Story
Three More Bodies Discovered
Rescue teams working at the site of the collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, have located three additional bodies as efforts to recover victims continue.
Two bodies were spotted on Wednesday night, followed by another discovery at around 6:30 am on Thursday, November 5. Emergency personnel are working to retrieve the remains from the debris.
The latest development comes on the 14th day of the operation, with relatives of people still unaccounted for continuing to gather near the site as they wait for updates.
Two female bodies had earlier been recovered on Sunday and Tuesday. Their identification was expected to take place on Thursday at Nairobi City Mortuary.
Families Asked to Assist with Identification
Authorities have urged families who believe their missing relatives may be among the recovered victims to visit the mortuary.
The process will involve post-mortem examinations and DNA profiling to establish the identities of the deceased.
Earlier assessments indicated that at least 10 people could have been trapped in the basement of the building. Rescue teams have been working to reach the lower sections of the structure, where access has proved critical to the operation.
So far, four people have been pulled out alive.
What Happened in Eastleigh?
The multi-storey building collapsed at approximately 1:00 pm on October 23, 2026.
Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamud had said the premises were partly occupied when the incident happened, with tenants living on the basement and ground floors.
The ongoing search has left families facing an agonising wait, while emergency teams continue working to establish whether anyone else remains trapped.
Sakaja Calls for Tougher Action Against Rogue Developers
The tragedy has also brought renewed attention to construction standards and the enforcement of building regulations in Nairobi.
Following the collapse, Governor Johnson Sakaja called for changes to the law that would give county governments greater authority to pursue legal action against developers who ignore construction requirements.
Sakaja said the county had formally approached the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, expressing hope that the request would be considered.
He argued that county authorities need stronger powers to act against developers whose decisions could expose residents and workers to danger.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue operations remain underway as teams work to recover the three newly located bodies and determine whether more victims are still beneath the debris.
For families gathered at the site, every update carries enormous weight as they wait for confirmation about those who have not yet been accounted for.
As the rescue operation continues, the tragedy raises a difficult question for Nairobi: how many more lives must be lost before building safety rules are enforced with the urgency they demand?
