Written by Lisa Murimi
In a move that marks the end of a tense chapter in Mombasa, the government has officially withdrawn the military personnel who had been deployed to assist with the emergency demolition of a dangerously sinking building in Fayaz Estate.Â
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) completed their mission successfully and have now returned to their barracks, according to a gazette notice issued by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on May 9.
The building, located at Kilifi Corner along Abdel Nasser Road, began sinking on April 2, leaving residents and businesses in a state of constant fear.
The collapse of the structure seemed imminent, and the government’s decision to act swiftly was driven by the very real threat of loss — not just of property, but of precious lives.
On April 9, the first-ever controlled demolition in Kenya was carried out.
The ground-floor columns of the building had already sunk by three meters, and the foundation had been severely compromised due to illegal borehole drilling.
Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir revealed the severity of the situation, urging immediate evacuation.
As military personnel worked alongside the National Police Service to ensure safety, residents were forced to leave behind their homes and livelihoods.
The controlled demolition, though necessary, was a bitter reminder of how fragile our lives and property can be when nature and neglect collide.
Though the military’s task is complete, the shadows of fear and uncertainty will linger for those who lived in the shadow of this disaster.
