NAIROBI, Kenya — October 27, 2026
Police have warned TikTok creators and other social media users against livestreaming rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, saying the broadcasts could jeopardise efforts to locate and rescue people trapped beneath the rubble.
Incident Police Commander Duncan Ochieng issued the warning on Tuesday, October 27, as multi-agency teams continued searching the remains of the building that collapsed along 9th Street on Friday, October 23.
Ochieng said some content creators had been broadcasting live from the scene on TikTok and other platforms, raising concerns about possible interference with the rescue mission.
He urged those covering the incident to stop livestreaming from the site so emergency responders could carry out their work effectively.
Why Police Want TikTokers to Stop Livestreaming
According to the police commander, the rescue operation is being conducted in accordance with international standards, with specialist teams coordinating efforts to search the collapsed structure.
Ochieng said livestreaming from the scene could jeopardise the operation and appealed to content creators to allow rescuers to work without interference.
The warning comes after social media personalities and citizen journalists gathered at the site to share updates, interviews and commentary with online audiences.
While such coverage has helped people follow developments, police say the priority must remain the safety and effectiveness of the rescue operation.
The warning is a request for cooperation. Authorities have not publicly established that livestreaming caused a specific rescue failure.
Rescue Teams Continue Searching the Rubble
The building, which was still under construction when it collapsed on October 23, has required a coordinated response involving emergency personnel, police and specialist teams.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to move concrete slabs and clear debris obstructing access to parts of the structure.
Chinese specialist personnel and equipment have also joined the operation, according to reports from the scene.
The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group has been providing technical guidance as teams continue working through the affected sections.
Rescuers are using specialised equipment, including acoustic listening devices, to help search for possible signs of life beneath the debris.
The operation remains complex because of the weight of the collapsed structure and the safety risks facing personnel working around unstable rubble.
Kenya Red Cross Continues Tracing Missing People
The Kenya Red Cross has continued recording reports of missing people and helping reunite survivors with their families.
According to figures reported on Tuesday, 52 cases had been recorded at the organisation’s tracing desk, with some cases closed after people were located and reunited with relatives.
Authorities and humanitarian teams have stressed the importance of verifying each report because the number of people initially reported missing may differ from the number still unaccounted for or believed to be trapped.
Families seeking information about relatives who may have been at the building have been encouraged to contact the Kenya Red Cross tracing team.
What Members of the Public Should Do
Police have urged members of the public to keep away from the immediate rescue area and allow emergency teams enough space to work.
People at the scene should follow instructions from officers and rescue personnel, avoid obstructing access routes and refrain from actions that could create additional safety risks.
Social media users who want to help can share verified updates from official authorities and recognised humanitarian organisations rather than spreading unconfirmed casualty figures or speculation.
Families with missing relatives should use official tracing channels instead of relying solely on online posts.
Investigation Into the Building Collapse Continues
The collapse has renewed questions about construction safety, building approvals and regulatory oversight in Nairobi.
Authorities have said investigations are needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any parties may bear responsibility.
However, the cause of the collapse and any individual or institutional liability should not be treated as established until the relevant investigations and legal processes determine the facts.
For now, police say the immediate priority is to support the rescue operation, establish the whereabouts of people reported missing and ensure emergency responders can work safely.
RickyMedia.co.ke will continue following the Eastleigh rescue operation and publishing verified updates from authorities and humanitarian teams.
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