Six people died yesterday after a eight-storey building under construction in Kisii town collapsed.
Thirty-four people, among them seven children, were injured. Twenty-six people were admitted at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Hospital CEO Dr Ondari Otieno said 17 were treated and discharged.
Rescue operations were still ongoing by yesterday evening, with people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The building was last year condemned by the National Construction Authority.
Reports indicate the approved plan was for a three-storey building, but the developer went ahead and added seven more floors.
NCA South Nyanza regional coordinator Lucas Adwera said it will prepare a report which will be presented to the press soon.
Survivor Lilian Akinyi said she felt the building shake and scampered for safety.
She said many of her workmates on the second floor are still trapped. “I fear for the lives of my colleagues. I survived because I was on the ground floor,” Akinyi said.
Another surviver Robert Omwenga said, “Some floors sank before it collapsed. Some of the people injured were on the road.”
David Ombogo said his sister Kerubo, who owned a shop in the building, was among those trapped in the rubble.
“I was informed Kerubo is still trapped inside. I have tried to call her but she is not answering my calls,” he said. Kisii Governor James Ongwae said the county has mobilised rescue teams to evacuate casualties.
“It is unfortunate this tragedy has happened in our county. I’m hoping that with the help of volunteers and our teams, we shall get everyone out,” he said.