Ruto in Trouble Over His Video Allowing Eastleigh Residents To Construct Tall Buildings Emerges

An old video of President William Ruto discussing building heights in Eastleigh, Nairobi, has resurfaced online following the collapse of a multi-storey building under construction that left several people feared trapped beneath the rubble.

In the video, Ruto is heard telling residents that developers could construct buildings reaching 25 or even 30 floors, a statement that has reignited public debate over construction regulations and building safety.

The remarks were made in May 2024 during a visit to Kiamaiko in Mathare. The President explained that developers had previously faced restrictions preventing them from building beyond 12 storeys in Eastleigh but claimed the limits had been relaxed to allow more housing.

However, the area’s building-height restrictions have been linked to its proximity to Moi Air Base, where aviation safety considerations influence development regulations.

Ruto later clarified, during the Kenya Air Force anniversary celebrations, that developers must comply with existing height restrictions and warned that buildings exceeding legal limits would face action.

Following the latest collapse, Kenyans have questioned whether the earlier remarks contributed to confusion over construction regulations.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has stated that the collapsed structure had construction approvals but lacked an occupation certificate.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and the cause of the collapse remains unknown. Police have vowed to pursue anyone found criminally negligent.

It remains unconfirmed whether the collapsed building was affected by the 2024 remarks.

https://x.com/Lazooj/status/2113675421979967820