DPP Approves Charges Over Manzil Towers Collapse as Nairobi Planning Chief Among Those to Be Prosecuted.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against several individuals linked to the collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi, paving the way for their arraignment in court.
In a statement issued on Friday, the DPP said the decision followed a review of an investigation file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) concerning the building collapse that occurred on January 2, 2026.
According to the prosecution authority, an independent assessment of the evidence established sufficient grounds and a realistic prospect of conviction against a number of suspects connected to the project.
Among those approved for prosecution is Nairobi County Chief Officer for Urban Planning Patrick Analo Akivaga, who will face charges of abuse of office and neglect of official duty.
The DPP stated that the charges arise from findings relating to the approval, oversight and regulatory processes surrounding the construction project before its collapse.
The prosecution has also approved manslaughter charges against four individuals identified as Daniel Alphonse Odhiambo, Gideon Chege Mwangi, Abdishakur Muse Mohamed and Yussuf Mohamed Yussuf.
In addition, dozens of public officials, developers and professionals linked to the project are set to face charges ranging from abuse of office and neglect of official duty to making and uttering false documents.
Some suspects will also face charges connected to allegedly commencing the project without the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence.
The collapse of the building triggered widespread public concern and renewed scrutiny over construction approvals, regulatory compliance and enforcement of building standards within Nairobi.
The DPP said the decision to prosecute was made in accordance with Article 157 of the Constitution, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act and the Decision to Charge Guidelines.
The office further maintained that the move was based solely on evidence gathered during investigations and reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established.
All accused persons are expected to be arraigned in court to answer to the charges.
The latest development comes barely a day after Governor Johnson Sakaja suspended Akivaga following separate investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into allegations of corruption and possession of unexplained wealth.
