Social media content creators and citizen journalists have been cautioned against livestreaming rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate, with authorities warning that the broadcasts could interfere with ongoing efforts.
Incident Police Commander Duncan Ochieng issued the warning on Tuesday, October 27, during a situation briefing, saying livestreams on TikTok and other social media platforms were jeopardising the rescue mission.
Ochieng acknowledged that content creators had been providing detailed updates on the incident but raised concerns about some individuals broadcasting the operations in real time from the scene.
“Some of us here have been doing live recording on TikTok and all these other platforms. This jeopardizes our operation, so I would urge you to desist from that so that the operation can be done in the most effective way. What we are doing here, we are doing it based on international standards,” Officer Ochieng stated.
Since the building collapsed on Friday, October 23, content creators, particularly those with large social media followings, have gathered at the scene to update their audiences on the developing situation.
Some have received praise for their detailed coverage and analysis, with sections of the public arguing that their reporting has provided insights beyond those offered by traditional media outlets.
However, the incident commander urged them to refrain from livestreaming, emphasising that the priority was to allow rescue teams to work without interference.
He explained that the multi-agency operation was being conducted in line with international standards, with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) closely monitoring the teams' activities.
Ochieng warned that any actions that could compromise the rescue mission would run contrary to the standards governing the operation.
He added that the international group was offering technical guidance to the rescue teams, while well-wishers had donated specialised equipment, including acoustic light detectors, which were already being used at the scene.
Kenya Red Cross closes 30 missing-person cases
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross has reported progress in tracing people affected by the building collapse, revealing that 30 of the 52 cases recorded in its tracing book had been resolved after survivors were reunited with their families.
George Ndono, the head of the Kenya Red Cross Lower Eastern Region, said the most recent case had been reported on Tuesday morning, leaving 20 cases pending.
The tracing exercise remains part of the wider response as emergency teams continue working to establish the whereabouts of people affected by the incident.
Chinese machinery joins rescue operation
The multi-agency rescue effort has also received additional support from Chinese machinery and specialist teams following the collapse of the 18-storey building under construction along 9th Street in Eastleigh.
Chinese construction equipment manufacturer XCMG Group deployed an excavator on the first day of the response to support debris removal.
A 25-tonne crane was brought in the following day, with the two machines playing a key role in clearing heavy concrete slabs and helping rescue teams reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The equipment has strengthened efforts to remove debris from the site as emergency responders continue with the operation.
