Search underway as man is killed in collapsing Mombasa building
CCTV footage retrieved from a nearby premises shows Yusuf walking into the building with the caretaker, moments before the structure’s first floor gave way.
The Mombasa County Government has launched a recovery operation in Old Town following the tragic collapse of a building, which claimed the life of 38-year-old Yusuf Ali Abdi, a father of three and a trader at Marikiti Market.
Yusuf was last seen on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2, entering a residential building that later crumbled just minutes after he stepped inside. He had reportedly gone to inspect a unit he was planning to rent.
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“It is with great sorrow that we confirm the passing of Yusuf Ali Abdi,” said Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. On behalf of the County Government of Mombasa and its people, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all those affected by this loss. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy.”
CCTV footage retrieved from a nearby premises shows Yusuf walking into the building with the caretaker moments before the structure’s first floor gave way.
Eyewitnesses said the security guard managed to escape, but Yusuf was unfortunately trapped inside.
Abdirahman Hussein, Old Town MCA, stated that Yusuf was house hunting around the area at 6:30 pm.
“The CCTV shows him going in with the gateman, and after a few minutes, the gateman comes out running, but Yusuf did not manage to come out... We are saddened by the unfortunate incident and condole with the family. But want to assure everyone this was not as a result of controlled demolition, and we have already raised the issue with relevant authorities,” said Abdirahman.
According to the family, Yusuf was not abducted, as initially speculated. On Sunday, a group of residents and human rights activists held a protest accusing the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) of having a hand in his disappearance.
However, a sister-in-law who viewed the CCTV footage confirmed that Yusuf had gone into the building voluntarily.
“He was house-hunting. He had already identified a unit and had shown it to some of us.. He was indeed inside the building and not taken away as was claimed.”
Police, alongside the county’s disaster response unit, have brought in sniffer dogs to search for Yusuf’s body in the rubble.
The County Lands Department, in coordination with the Department of Transport and Infrastructure, has taken over the site to clear debris and restore essential services such as water, power, and road access.
“We have requested to be given 48 to 78 hours to thoroughly comb through the area where Yusuf was last seen. The objective is to recover his remains and offer his family the closure they deserve,” said Governor Abdulswamad.
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