He described the incident as a tragic failure of oversight and enforcement by authorities meant to protect the public.
The building collapsed in the early hours of Friday, January 2, 2026, along Muhoho Road near the South C Shopping Centre.
The incident caused panic in the area and left families anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones who may have been trapped under the rubble.
In a strongly worded statement, Owino said the tragedy had once again exposed the high price Kenyans pay due to weak supervision of construction projects, poor enforcement of building regulations and suspected corruption within Nairobi City County.
He noted that such disasters are preventable if laws are followed and those responsible are held to account.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the collapse of the 16-storey building under construction in South C, Nairobi County,” Owino said.
“This incident has left families in anguish and emergency teams scrambling for survivors.”
He confirmed that emergency responders, including the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit and officers from the National Police Service, were already on the ground carrying out rescue operations as his statement was being issued.
Owino praised the efforts of the rescue teams, saying they were working under difficult conditions to save lives.
The legislator said it was especially painful that the tragedy had occurred just days into the new year, a time when many families are hopeful for a fresh start.
Instead, he said, the incident had brought grief and fear, raising serious questions about the safety of buildings in the city.
Owino urged the national government and independent agencies to step in and conduct a transparent investigation to establish how such a tall building was allowed to collapse.
He said anyone found to have approved unsafe construction, ignored warnings or taken bribes must be held personally responsible.