DPP Orders DCI to Investigate Nairobi Officials and Developer over Eastleigh Building Collapse

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe the collapse of a multi-storey building in Eastleigh, while revealing that City Hall had never submitted an inquiry file over alleged irregularities at the site.

The statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions follows the October 23 disaster in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate, which left several people injured, property destroyed, and dozens missing. By Sunday, October 25, government updates showed that 47 people were reported missing, with nine traced back to their families as search operations continued.

Despite public concern over municipal oversight, the prosecution authority clarified on Monday, October 26, that Nairobi City County Government had not sent any documents alleging malfeasance by the private developer, contractors, or county officials responsible for approving and supervising the project.

"The DPP wishes to clarify that, as of the date of this statement, no inquiry file relating to the construction of the building has ever been forwarded to the Office by the Nairobi City County Government regarding malfeasance by the private developer, professionals or county government officials for perusal and directions," the ODPP said.

The lack of an inquiry file from City Hall comes against the backdrop of a broader dispute over county prosecution powers. In a letter dated April 16, 2026, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed concern to the ODPP over difficulties the county faced in enforcing local laws.

Governor Sakaja noted that enforcement efforts suffered after the government revoked the gazettement of special county prosecutors in early 2024. He stated that county charge sheets were frequently declined, delayed, or dismissed in court, and requested the ODPP to gazette six county-nominated officers to help handle statutory breaches.

In response to the Eastleigh tragedy, the DPP invoked Article 157(4) of the Constitution to order an independent police investigation. The constitutional provision allows the DPP to direct the Inspector-General of the National Police Service to investigate any alleged criminal conduct.

Once the DCI completes its probe, it will submit the inquiry file to the ODPP for independent evaluation. Prosecutors promised to press charges against anyone found culpable, regardless of their public status or official standing.

The prosecution agency expressed sympathy to the victims of the collapse and warned developers, engineers, and public officers against ignoring building safety standards and statutory requirements.

"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," the statement added.