NAIROBI, Kenya — Rescue teams searching the rubble of the collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, have discovered three more bodies, deepening the tragedy as the multi-agency operation enters its 14th day.
Two bodies were spotted on Wednesday night, while a third was discovered at approximately 6:30am on Thursday, November 5. Emergency responders were continuing efforts to retrieve the remains from the debris.
The latest discoveries bring to five the number of bodies found since the building collapsed on October 23, 2026. Four people have so far been rescued alive, according to previous updates from the National Police Service.
The search has kept families of missing people at the scene, where they continue to wait for information about their relatives. The prolonged operation has heightened anxiety among those hoping for news of loved ones who may have been inside the building when it came down.
Two female bodies recovered on Sunday and Tuesday were scheduled for identification at the Nairobi City Mortuary on Thursday. Families who believe the deceased could be their missing relatives have been asked to present themselves at the facility to assist with post-mortem examinations and DNA profiling.
The identification process is expected to help authorities establish the identities of the victims and provide families with formal confirmation.
At least 10 people feared trapped in basement
The latest discoveries come as rescue teams continue working to access the lower sections of the collapsed structure, particularly the basement.
Earlier updates from the rescue operation indicated that at least 10 people were believed to be trapped in the basement, although authorities have continued efforts to establish the whereabouts of everyone reported missing.
The operation has involved multiple emergency response agencies working through concrete and other debris in an effort to locate and recover those still unaccounted for.
The National Police Service had previously confirmed that four people had been pulled alive from the rubble, while two female bodies had been recovered by Tuesday, November 3. Vivid Voice News reported that the two bodies were awaiting identification at Nairobi City Mortuary.
Building collapse renews scrutiny of safety regulations
The multi-storey building collapsed at approximately 1pm on Friday, October 23, 2026, along 9th Street in Eastleigh.
Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamud previously confirmed that the structure was partially occupied at the time of the incident, with tenants residing on the basement and ground floors.
The collapse has renewed scrutiny of construction oversight, building approvals and the enforcement of safety regulations in Nairobi, particularly the occupation of buildings before the necessary inspections and approvals have been completed.
Also Read: Eastleigh building collapse: Police warn against livestreaming rescue efforts
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja called for changes to the law to strengthen county governments’ ability to take legal action against developers who disregard building regulations.
“We have formally written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and we hope our request will be considered. Counties must be empowered to take firm action against rogue developers who disregard building regulations and put lives at risk,” Sakaja said.
The disaster has also raised questions about accountability among developers, construction professionals and public officials responsible for approving and inspecting buildings.
As rescue teams work to retrieve the three newly discovered bodies, the immediate priority remains accounting for everyone believed to have been inside the building when it collapsed.
The operation is continuing, with families still waiting for answers as emergency responders search the remaining sections of the rubble.
