Babu Owino Releases Document He Says Proves Sakaja Lied About Collapsed Eastleigh Building

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has accused Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of misleading Kenyans over the collapsed multi-storey building on 9th Street in Eastleigh. He made the claim in a post shared shortly after the October 23 2026 tragedy.

Owino alleged that Sakaja falsely stated the structure had no approval. He backed his claim by posting a Nairobi City County Notification of Approval of Application dated February 13 2024.

The document is addressed to Sakina Star Ltd through physical planner Okeya Hempstone Nyawanda. It concerns an application submitted on December 27 2023.

It grants permission for a residential development of 35 units. The plan also includes a restaurant and a mosque and shops on Plot LR No 36/II/40 along 9th Street in Kamukunji Sub-County.

The Urban Planning Technical Committee issued the approval. It was signed for the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Built Environment and Urban Planning.

Owino described the episode as a big joke from an incompetent governor. He demanded that Sakaja take responsibility for the tragedy and alleged that he collected a Sh120 million bribe.

Sakaja has maintained that a change-of-use application for the estate of the late Wilson Mutia Musyoke was granted in 2024. He says the later application for a 15-storey building with a basement was never approved.

The governor has pointed to weak enforcement and low fines. He has also called for investigations and for counties to be given back prosecutorial powers.

The land reference matches the collapsed site. Owino’s document predates the later plans cited by the governor.

The exchange has intensified scrutiny of Nairobi’s planning processes as rescue efforts continue.

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