- A storey building in Mombasa was demolished on April 9 under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces
- Former Embakasi South MP Irshad Sumra revealed the building was worth between KSh 300 million and KSh 350 million
- Sumra expressed devastation on behalf of the developer, saying the loss was not just financial but deeply emotional
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Kenyans on social media have sympathised with the developer of a multi-million-shilling 11-storey building that was demolished on April 9.
Former Embakasi South Member of Parliament Irshad Sumra explained the losses they incurred, saying the building cost between KSh 300 million and KSh 350 million.
The condemned building, located along Abdel Nasser Road in Mombasa county, was brought down under the watch of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who used explosives in the operation.
Why was the Mombasa storey building demolished?
The multi-million building was demolished after it reportedly began sinking on April 2, 2025, posing a serious threat to nearby residential and commercial properties.
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Due to the risk it posed to residents, the Mombasa county government, led by Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and backed by the Ministry of Interior, ordered an evacuation within a 1.2-kilometre radius of the site.
In addition, KDF personnel, police officers, county emergency units, and engineers formed part of the multi-agency team deployed to oversee the evacuation process.
What did Irshad Sumra say after the demolition?
The former MP stated that they were deeply shattered and disheartened by the demolition of the building, adding that it was painful to witness such a massive setback.
“After investing a significant fortune both financially and, above all, emotionally, it is a moment of great distress for all of us involved. We humbly ask for understanding, support, and prayers. This is a challenging time for everybody, including the developer, the neighbours, and Mombasa residents,” he said.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the emergency response teams, the Kenya Army, members of the Muslim Kumbah Jamaat, and Governor Abdulswamad for their swift response to the situation.
Kenyans sympathise with the developer
Kenyans flooded social media with emotional messages, expressing sympathy for the tycoon. Some joked about their own minor losses, while others suggested starting a fundraiser to help the developer recover.
Mamutash:
“He lost KSh 350 million and still has the energy to read a statement. I once lost KSh 3,000 and ended up in the hospital.”
Abually:
“I do not understand why the demolition happened in the first place.”
Jezebel:
“Can we, as Kenyans, set up a Paybill and refund this guy KSh 350 million? Kindly, he is going through a lot.”
Rhodah KKathuraniri:
“I don’t mean to overstep, but why do I feel KSh 350 million is too little for that flat? Or am I the one miscalculating?”
Kisii Plug:
“Why him? He’s lost over a billion in Kenya so far.”
Oloisho:
“If you have that kind of money, contract the Chinese. Those guys build legit structures.”
Kimzs Kimcho:
“This guy was the owner of Taj Mall Nairobi—why is it always him?”
Free Palestine:
“This man is hardworking and patriotic. May Allah protect him.”
Man dies in Mombasa building demolition
TUKO.co.ke reported that a businessman who had been captured entering the condemned building before its demolition had died.
According to family spokesperson Abdul Rahman, CCTV footage showed him walking around the ill-fated building and even captured the moment he entered it.
The family later confirmed that the young trader died as a result of the demolition, sending them into mourning.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
