A construction worker was killed and another seriously injured on Monday morning when part of a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the Twiga Beach area of Watamu, Kilifi County.
The incident, which occurred as concrete was being poured for the building’s basement level, has sparked outrage among residents and raised urgent questions about the project’s approvals and safety standards.
Preliminary reports indicate that the supporting columns failed to withstand the weight of the fresh concrete, causing a section of the structure to cave in.
The body of the deceased worker was retrieved from the debris by members of the public and was later picked by police to the Malindi Sub County Hospital Mortuary, while the survivor who sustained multiple leg fractures, was rushed to the same hospital for treatment.
Malindi Deputy County Commissioner Harrison Matevwa, who visited the site with the Sub County Security Committee, confirmed the incident and announced that investigations had begun to establish its cause.
“We have been informed that one person died and another was seriously injured. Investigations will determine whether due process was followed in granting approvals, and those found culpable will face the law,” he said.
Matevwa added that both the building owner and the contractor were being sought to assist investigators.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Special Programmes and Disaster Management, Marjisanaa Yahya, also inspected the site with her response team and assured residents that a comprehensive assessment was underway to determine compliance with construction regulations.
“Relevant agencies will thoroughly investigate this incident. We urge the public to keep away from the site to avoid further danger and to preserve evidence,” she said.
Local leaders and residents voiced strong concerns over the project, alleging that several minor accidents had previously occurred at the site but were concealed by the contractor.
“The community has repeatedly raised complaints, but our concerns have not been addressed. People with financial influence are often allowed to flout regulations without consequences,” said Daniel Musau, Chairman of the Jacaranda Beach Operators Association.
Deputy Chairperson Charity Mwagambo expressed disappointment, claiming that beach operators had been displaced from their business areas to make way for construction, with promises of compensation that never materialized.
“We call on the government to ensure investigations are fair and that firm action is taken against those responsible so justice can be served for both the victims and the community,” she said.
Other residents accused the investor of using substandard materials and corrupt means to obtain approvals also alleging that the building was being constructed on riparian land contrary to the Environmental management and Coordination Act (EMCA).
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed, who introduced himself as an engineer, said the building was being erected within 60 meters of the high-water mark, which he noted was a violation of coastal construction laws.
He warned that the structure posed a greater future risk if not demolished, alleging that the materials used were weak and could not hold the building.
By Emmanuel Masha and Noumair Wandera
