Babu Owino Lands in Big Trouble Over Eastleigh Building Post as He’s Given Six Hours to Do This

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued Embakasi East MP Babu Owino a six-hour ultimatum to delete social media posts linking his administration to the approval of the building that collapsed in Eastleigh.

Sakaja has threatened legal action against the legislator over alleged defamation, escalating the dispute surrounding the tragedy that has raised questions about building approvals and safety regulations in Nairobi.

The disagreement follows claims by Babu that the county government approved the construction of the collapsed building, contrary to statements suggesting that the structure lacked the necessary approvals.

In his response, Sakaja clarified that although the county had granted a change-of-use permit, the construction plans for the building had not been approved.

The governor’s explanation introduces a key distinction between permission to change how a property is used and approval of the actual building plans. These are separate regulatory processes, and the status of each permit is central to the ongoing dispute.

However, Babu has maintained his position, sharing a document that he says shows the development received approval in February 2024.

The MP’s claims have intensified public scrutiny of the county government’s handling of construction permits and the enforcement of building regulations.

The exchange has also sparked debate over accountability following the Eastleigh building collapse, with Kenyans seeking clarity on whether the relevant authorities followed the required procedures before and during construction.

Sakaja’s threat of legal action now adds another dimension to the dispute, as the two leaders maintain opposing positions over the documents and approvals involved.

Babu faces pressure to respond to the governor’s ultimatum, while Sakaja is expected to clarify the nature of the permit issued and explain why the construction plans were reportedly not approved.

The central question remains whether the building received the necessary authorisation for construction and whether any regulatory failures contributed to the tragedy.

As the disagreement unfolds, the public will be watching for further developments, including possible legal proceedings and additional documentation that could help establish the facts surrounding the collapsed building.

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