www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Man feared trapped in Kisii rubble
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 18 June 2009 06:00
was trapped when a three-storey building collapsed on Saturday.On Sunday, the wife of Mr Herbert Omariba, Mrs Angelica Kerubo, confirmed that her husband had been among the workers at the ill-fated building in Kisii town.“I heard that the building had come down and that most people had been rescued. I went home and waited through the night but he did not come home. I believe he is still buried under these rubble,” she said.
Nyanza deputy police boss Mr Larry Kieng who visited the scene early on Sunday morning said one person had died while 11 were saved from the debris.Mr Kieng said four of the survivors were treated and discharged but seven were still undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Kisii.
But a statement from the Kenya Red Cross Society stated that at least 14 people had been rescued from the collapsed building by Sunday.Out of these, seven of were treated and discharged, while seven others were still admitted in various hospitals.
A few youths who were near the site risked their lives by diving between the loosely hanging walls to rescue some of those who were trapped inside.Kisii Mayor Sam Nyangeso said conspiracy and shoddy work continues to put residents at risk as most houses in the town did not meet the required standards.
“Most of these buildings are condemned but the owners have protection from the high and mighty, that they even dare local authorities should their premises be pulled down,” he said.
Brought down
One of the workers who sought anonymity said that the building had started showing signs of sagging but the owner insisted that they continue working on it.On Sunday, Nyanza Provincial Commissioner, Paul Olando ordered that one of the buildings near the site be vacated and brought down as cracks have started emerging on it.
