Five people died at the Itierio area in Kisii South Subcounty in Kisii County on Sunday, April 6, 2025, when a storey building under construction collapsed.
Kisii County Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo said three were treated and discharged while four were still hospitalized.
Speaking at the scene, the DG, accompanied by Ward Representatives John Ombati (Bomorenda) and Ismael Bosire (Bogiakumu), urged the government to probe the matter and take action against those culpable.
“I am disappointed. We want to know the quality of materials used and those who supervised the construction of the building,” Obebo told the press at the scene, adding they will not relent until action is taken.
He urged investors not to invest their money in shoddy work and urged members of the public to report shoddy work being done in their areas.
Ombati implored the government to investigate engineers, supervisors, and contractors responsible for the work, saying it was shameful to do shoddy work and risk the lives of innocent people.
“We want the license of the contractor to be revoked and action to be taken to deter others,” Ombati said.
Supporting victims
Bosire said they will ensure that bereaved families and those injured are supported to ease their lives.
The Ward Rep said the National Construction Authority (NCA) condemned some buildings under construction, but owners and contractors continued with the work.
“Corruption is the cause of shoddy work. We want the authority to ensure that there is no shortcut in houses being constructed,” Bosire said.
Mark Bosire, a resident, urged the owner of the building to compensate bereaved families and those who were injured.
He said workers sacrifice to build houses, and it was wrong for investors to allow their buildings to be constructed poorly.
Alice Kerubo, whose adjacent building to the ill-fated building was affected, said she had complained to the owner that the building had affected hers.
She said her house was developing cracks and had informed the owner, who pledged to take action in vain.
“I had traveled with my child and was informed today that the building had collapsed. I am lucky,” Kerubo said.
She said three people who were in her house were injured, treated, and discharged, adding she lost everything.
“I wonder why engineers allow shoddy work to be done. Maybe they are bribed,” Kerubo said.