Grade 9 Student Dies After Wall Collapses on Him in Murang’a

Residents of Maragua, Murang’a County, are mourning the death of a Grade Nine student from Gikomoro Primary School after a wall collapsed on him.

According to witnesses, the tragic incident was caused by the deterioration of a wall that had been built over 20 years ago and was structurally weak.

15-year-old Francis Gichuhi was with his classmates and was returning home from school when he stayed behind to tie his shoelaces. It was then that the wall started collapsing, and a brick fell on him.

His classmates tried to rescue him, but the entire wall collapsed, crushing him to death. The classmates had no choice but to run for safety, leaving him behind.

“The student had been left behind at the school gate where he was tying his shoelace when the wall suddenly collapsed and fell on him,” Emily Karanja, a witness recounted.

The residents in the area expressed concern that the school wall was outdated and were not surprised that it collapsed. They were, however, saddened that it had to take the boy’s life.

“The wall was very old, and the county was supposed to demolish it and build a new one,” Peter Wanyoike, another resident, complained.

According to the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, building owners are required to take necessary actions, including demolishing a structure if it is deemed unsafe and a threat to public well-being.

“Where any building appears to be in a ruinous, dangerous or dilapidated condition, the planning authority, either on its own volition or at the request of the public, may serve upon the owner a notice in writing, requiring them, within the time specified, to shore up, secure, repair, renew, or otherwise make safe, to the satisfaction of the planning authority, the building, or to remove it,” the Act reads in part.

If building owners fail to comply, the planning authority will take the necessary actions within three days.

Cases of buildings collapsing in the country have been on the rise, with constructors being blamed for failing to follow the proper procedures and requirements for construction as mandated by law.

To prevent further incidents, constructors have been advised to ensure they adhere to the law and regulations.