One person has been confirmed dead and another 17 injured as a building in Waruku area of Nairobi crumbled on its foundation.
The building classified by authorities as semi-permanent had two storeys.
During the incident a congregation of churchgoers were singing and stamping on the upper floor. It is believed this frenzied activity caused strain on the already weak structure leading to the collapse.
Police reports indicate a total of 33 victims of the collapse signifying that the ground floor had residential tenants.
The police confirmed that 17 sustained soft tissue injuries when the top floor slab caved in.
The deceased was identified as Joseph Ogolla aged 60.
Nairobi police boss, George Sedah has said that part of the investigations is to determine how a church was being housed in a poorly structured residential house.
“We want to know how the facility was operating in the residential house and who approved it. It is unfortunate someone died and people got injured.”
The injured were taken to a hospital in the vicinity, treated and discharged while the body was moved to the City Mortuary.
Meanwhile, Nairobi City County officials have been at the forefront of battling noise pollution from churches mushrooming within residential areas.
Unfortunately the battle is self defeatist as most of the bars and churches operating in residential areas are either illegal or licensed by the same Nairobi City County officials.
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