Standing a short distance from the rubble, CS Ruku confirmed that the government was fully committed to saving lives while ensuring the safety of rescue teams.
He noted that operations had briefly slowed earlier in the day after engineers detected signs of instability in a neighbouring building that was also under construction.
According to him, this precaution was necessary to prevent further tragedy.
“The safety of our rescuers and the surrounding community is paramount,” Ruku said.
“We cannot rush operations in a way that puts more lives at risk. Every decision being made here is guided by expert advice.”
The Cabinet Secretary praised the multi-agency response, which includes the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Police Service, county emergency teams, and volunteer responders.
He said the coordination on the ground had improved efficiency, allowing teams to work methodically through the debris using both heavy machinery and manual tools where survivors might be trapped.
Ruku also expressed sympathy with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the incident, describing the scene as heartbreaking.
“We feel the pain of every family affected. The government stands with you during this difficult moment,” he stated.
He assured the public that the injured were receiving proper medical attention in nearby hospitals and that psychosocial support teams had been deployed to assist families and first responders dealing with trauma.
Addressing concerns over building safety, CS Ruku said preliminary investigations had begun to establish the cause of the collapse.
He emphasized that anyone found responsible, whether through negligence or violation of construction standards, would be held accountable.
“This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call. We will not tolerate shortcuts that put lives in danger,” he said.
Nairobi County officials, who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, echoed his sentiments and confirmed that safety inspections were being intensified across construction sites within the area.
Residents living near the collapsed building were urged to remain cautious and to follow guidance from authorities.
As dusk approached, rescue teams continued their work under floodlights, with hopes that more survivors could still be found.
CS Ruku concluded his briefing by calling for patience, unity, and prayers, urging Kenyans to allow professionals on the ground to carry out their duties without interference.
The South C collapse has once again raised serious questions about urban development, safety enforcement, and accountability, even as the nation rallies around victims and rescuers in a time of shared grief.