The High Court has granted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) a 14-day window to file its response in a significant legal battle concerning the prosecution of three City Hall officials. These officials are facing charges related to the collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi. Justice Dr Nabil Orina issued this directive during a mention of the case, which was convened to assess compliance with previous court orders regarding the submission of legal documents. The applicants in the case have already submitted and served their written submissions to the court. Following the DPP's response, they will have an additional seven days to file any supplementary submissions they deem necessary.
The case is set to be mentioned again on October 14, 2026. During this session, the court will not only confirm compliance with its directives but also consider an application to consolidate the proceedings. This step is crucial as it will determine the procedural path the case will take moving forward, including setting a date for judgment. The legal proceedings originate from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) efforts to hold the officials accountable for the collapse of Manzil Towers. The incident has drawn significant public attention due to the implications of accountability and safety standards in construction practices within Nairobi.
In July, the High Court intervened by temporarily halting the arrest, charging, and prosecution of Patrick Analo Akivaga, David Kibui Kigathi, and another unnamed applicant. This intervention allowed the officials to legally contest the decision to initiate criminal proceedings against them. Represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, the applicants are challenging the proposed charges, which pertain to alleged abuse of office under Sections 101(1) and 102A of the Penal Code. They are seeking several court orders, including the quashing of the decision to prosecute them, arguing that the charges are unfounded.
The collapse of Manzil Towers has raised critical questions about regulatory oversight and the enforcement of building codes in Nairobi. The case against the City Hall officials is seen as a test of the legal system's ability to address issues of public safety and corruption. As the proceedings continue, all eyes are on the High Court to see how it will navigate the complex legal and ethical issues at play, which could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in Kenya's construction sector.
