Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has rejected demands to apologise to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and a developer linked to the collapsed Eastleigh building, insisting that he will continue seeking accountability over the tragedy.
In a legal response dated Monday, October 26, 2026, Owino’s lawyers dismissed a six-hour ultimatum issued by the developer’s legal team, arguing that his statements raised legitimate concerns about public safety, regulatory oversight and accountability.
The lawyers also challenged the demand letter for addressing the legislator as “Madam”, questioning the attention given to its preparation.
Governor Sakaja and MP Babu Owino. Photo: Courtesy.
They maintained that the threat of legal action would not stop Owino from seeking answers from Sakaja and the relevant county authorities.
The dispute followed a demand letter issued by lawyer Elisha Gweth Onyango, who represents the alleged developer of the 16-storey building that collapsed in Eastleigh on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The lawyer accused Owino of publishing defamatory content on his social media accounts on October 25 after the MP shared a purported Nairobi County development approval document linked to the property.
The document reportedly identified the developer as a registered physical planner. However, Owino’s lawyers disputed that description, maintaining that their client is an architect rather than a physical planner.
They also attached his practising certificate to support their position.
The developer’s legal team demanded that the MP remove the social media post within six hours, warning that failure to comply would prompt legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) raised concerns over the absence of an inquiry file from Nairobi County, despite claims that county authorities had initiated arrests before the building collapsed.
The ODPP subsequently directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate possible criminal negligence involving developers, contractors and county officials.
The office indicated that those found culpable could face prosecution once investigators establish liability.
The investigations are expected to examine the building’s construction, the approval process and the possible responsibility of those involved.
