By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 06,2026 - The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against 37 individuals in connection with the collapse of Manzil Towers in Nairobi's South C estate on January 2, 2026, following investigations that implicated public officials, developers and construction professionals involved in the project.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said it had reviewed the investigation file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and found sufficient evidence to support prosecution, with a realistic prospect of conviction.
The ODPP said the decision was reached in accordance with Article 157 of the Constitution and the office's Decision to Charge Guidelines.
The statement reads among those facing the most serious charges are Daniel Alphonse Odhiambo, Gideon Chege Mwangi, Abdishakur Muse Mohamed and Yussuf Mohamed Yussuf, who have been charged with manslaughter under Sections 202 and 205 of the Penal Code.
The four are also facing environmental charges under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) for allegedly commencing the project without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence.
The prosecution has further approved charges of abuse of office against all 37 accused persons, including senior public officials and professionals associated with the project's approval, supervision and implementation.
Among those named are Patrick Analo Akivaga, Christopher Naicca, Brenda Nyawana, Alfred Eshitera, Tom Achar, Philomena Wanjui, Wilfred Masinde, Sammy Shileche and Judy Gitau, among others.
Mr Akivaga additionally faces charges of neglect of official duty, alongside several other officials accused of failing to properly discharge their regulatory responsibilities before the building collapsed.
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The ODPP said some of the accused also face charges relating to the alleged preparation and use of false documents.
Architect Gideon Chege Mwangi has been charged with making a false document, while Abdishakur Muse Mohamedfaces charges of making and uttering a false document. Yussuf Mohamed Yussuf has been charged with uttering a false document.
The collapse of Manzil Towers sparked public concern over building safety standards, regulatory oversight and compliance with construction laws in Nairobi. The incident prompted extensive investigations into the approvals process, structural integrity of the building and the role of various public officers and private sector professionals involved in the project.
Building collapses have remained a recurring challenge in Kenya, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas where concerns have frequently been raised over substandard construction, inadequate inspections and weak enforcement of building regulations.
The ODPP said all accused persons will be arraigned in court to answer to the charges.
"The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established," the statement said.
The prosecution emphasized that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.