Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has challenged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to take their dispute over the Eastleigh building collapse to court.
Owino says he will not apologise for his remarks questioning the county’s handling of the building’s approval. He insists that Nairobi residents deserve answers following the tragedy.
The exchange follows a legal demand reportedly issued by Sakaja’s lawyers. They gave the MP six hours to remove social media posts linking the governor to the disputed building approval. Source
Babu Refuses to Apologise
Speaking on Monday, October 26, Owino dismissed the demand and dared Sakaja to pursue legal action.
“Let’s meet in court, SAKAJA,” the MP declared, according to media reports.
He argued that the public deserved accountability over the collapse and questioned the explanations surrounding the building’s approval.
Owino has also shared a document that he says challenges Sakaja’s account of the development’s approval status. However, the document’s authenticity and significance remain disputed.
Sakaja Disputes Approval Claims
Sakaja has maintained that Nairobi County approved a change of use for the property but did not approve the building’s architectural plans.
The governor has said the developer proceeded with construction despite county enforcement action. He has also disputed claims that the county granted full development approval.
The disagreement has intensified scrutiny of City Hall’s role in regulating construction and enforcing building safety standards.
Owino has also made a serious allegation involving an alleged KSh120 million bribe. The claim remains unverified and should not be treated as an established fact.
DPP Orders Investigation
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the collapse.
The probe will examine the roles of county officials, the developer, contractors and other professionals involved in planning, approving, supervising and constructing the building.
The ODPP said prosecution could follow if investigators establish sufficient evidence of criminal responsibility. It also clarified that Nairobi County had not forwarded an inquiry file concerning the building’s construction to its office. Source
As investigations continue, the dispute between Owino and Sakaja has added to public pressure for accountability.
Any legal proceedings could help determine whether the parties’ competing claims have a basis in law. The official investigation will also be central to establishing what led to the Eastleigh building collapse.
