The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against several public officials, developers, and construction professionals linked to the collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi, which occurred on January 2, 2026, and claimed two lives.
In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it had independently reviewed the investigation file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and found sufficient evidence to support prosecution.
According to the ODPP, the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the evidence, which established a realistic prospect of securing convictions against those implicated in the construction and approval of the building.
Among those set to face charges is Patrick Analo Akivaga, who has been charged with abuse of office and neglect of official duty under the Penal Code. Prosecutors say the charges arise from findings related to the approval, oversight, and regulatory processes surrounding the project before its collapse.
The ODPP noted that investigations uncovered significant failures within institutions tasked with ensuring compliance and safeguarding public safety in the construction sector.
Other suspects, including public officials, developers, and professionals associated with the project, will also face a range of charges. These include manslaughter, abuse of office, neglect of official duty, making and uttering false documents, and commencing a project without an Environmental Impact Assessment licence.
The inclusion of manslaughter charges signals the prosecution’s intention to hold those deemed responsible accountable for the deaths resulting from the tragedy.
“The Decision to Charge was made in strict compliance with Article 157 of the Constitution, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, the Decision to Charge Guidelines, and based on the evidence presented by investigators,” the ODPP said.
The accused persons are expected to appear in court to answer the charges as the prosecution moves forward. The ODPP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established.
