The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Wednesday executed a successful controlled demolition of an 11-storey building in Mombasa, averting a potential disaster after the structure was deemed unsafe. The building, located off Abdel Nasser Road, collapsed into rubble at exactly 12:56 pm following a carefully planned explosion, with no casualties or damage to nearby properties reported.
The demolition came after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir revealed that the building’s foundation had been severely compromised by unauthorized borehole drilling, causing critical structural damage. “Ground floor columns had collapsed by approximately three meters, making the building a grave risk,” Nassir stated. A multi-agency team, including the National Construction Authority, County Disaster Response Team, and military engineers, collaborated to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
Residents and businesses within a 1.2-kilometer radius were evacuated as a precaution, including patients from the nearby Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, who were relocated to other medical facilities. Key roads, including the busy Nyali Bridge, were temporarily closed during the operation.
Following the successful demolition, KDF officers celebrated atop the debris, singing in Swahili, “Igongwe, igongwe, aah igongwe!…kaskia raha kaskia raha,” (The building, the building… now we have peace) in a moment of collective relief. The controlled implosion, executed with precision, saw the structure collapse inward, minimizing risk to surrounding areas.
The operation highlighted the importance of adherence to construction regulations, as illegal modifications can endanger lives. Governor Nassir emphasized the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents. With the site now cleared, authorities will assess future steps for the plot while commending the seamless inter-agency cooperation that ensured public safety.
The incident serves as a stern warning against unauthorized structural alterations and a testament to Kenya’s disaster response capabilities.
