A somber atmosphere surrounded the KCC area in the Miritini ward of Jomvu sub-county, as three families dealt with the tragic loss of loved ones after a perimeter wall fell on Monday afternoon.
The victims were among eight mourners when the fence belonging to Kenya United Steel Company (KUSCO) Limited came down.
Five individuals died on the spot, while several others were quickly taken to hospitals in critical condition. By Tuesday, the death count increased to eight after three additional victims succumbed to their injuries. Among the injured is a six-month-old infant, who is currently battling for survival at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in critical condition.
In one family, they are mourning the death of a single mother, Medza Mwangolo, who was six months pregnant with twins.
“We had gathered at a neighbor’s home, anticipating the arrival of the deceased’s body for transportation upcountry. When it began to rain, everyone rushed for cover, and my sister was caught outside, near the wall, when it fell,” Medza’s sister recalled the 2 pm incident, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Residents have attributed the collapse to sub-standard materials and poor construction.
On Tuesday, County Director of Physical Planning, Paul Manyala, issued a notice to KUSCO, demanding the immediate demolition of the remaining wall and the restoration of the land.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir conveyed his condolences to the affected families, pledging that his administration would take action against unsafe structures.