Architects Slam ODPP Over Manzil Towers Charges, Demand Immediate Review

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has criticized the decision by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to press criminal charges against members of the Nairobi County Urban Planning Technical Committee (UPTC) in connection with the collapse of Manzil Towers.

In a statement released on June 6, the association argued that the charges wrongly target professionals whose role was advisory rather than executive, saying criminal proceedings should focus on those directly responsible for decision-making.

AAK said the UPTC serves as a technical review body that provides professional recommendations but does not possess legal authority to make final approvals on developments.

“The UPTC is strictly a technical review body tasked with providing professional recommendations. It has zero executive or final approval authority,” the statement said.

Architectural Association of Kenya on Approval Powers

The association maintained that statutory approval powers lie with the County Executive Committee (CEC), which has the legal mandate to approve, reject or bypass recommendations made by technical committees.

Also Read: Court Deals Blow to Maraga as It Rejects Parliament Dissolution Advisory

AAK also raised concerns that charging technical committee members could create fear among professionals and discourage them from offering independent oversight and expert opinions in public service.

“Targeting independent private-sector and civil society nominees dangerously combines advisory voices with executive actions,” the association said.

Review an Withdraw

The body said accountability should follow legal authority and responsibility, arguing that professionals who offer technical advice should not be treated as if they made the final decisions.

Also Read: Manzil Towers Charges: Why ODPP is Wrong to Approve These Charges

The association called on authorities to immediately review and withdraw what it termed “structurally misguided charges.”

The Manzil Towers collapse case has attracted significant public attention and renewed debate over accountability in construction approvals and safety oversight in Kenya.

Authorities have maintained investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) headquarters. PHOTO/ODPP