MURANG’A,Kenya, Dec, 19 – Search and rescue efforts at Sunstar Hotel, which collapsed earlier this week has seen 6 bodies recovered amid an ongoing operation.
The collapsed four storey building is in Gatanga, Murang’a County. Construction was ongoing at the site.
The incident occurred on Friday, December,17,2021.
According to Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia who spoke on Sunday,, one person died in hospital while receiving treatment bringing to six the number of deaths.
Police however say three people are yet to be accounted for.
“We will not want to have a recurrence of this kind of incident because it negates all the good work which has been done.” “Developers must be clear that they are doing investment in a safe environment,” said Macharia.
Search and rescue is expected to be completed by the end of the day according to Macharia.
Meanwhile another hotel adjacent to the site has been condemned and will be demolished.
“Greed should not be the determining factor that you want to build very quickly so that you can start getting returns. Safety of the people who are constructing the building and the people who will use it once it is completed is key.” he said. .
Those involved in the construction of the building are set to be arrested and arraigned.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has already started the process of hunting down all the professionals concerned both at the National government and at the county level,” said Macharia.
So far, at least 4,000 buildings nationwide have been earmarked for demolition after being deemed unsafe and uninhabitable.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)