Dramatic scenes unfolded in Mombasa on Tuesday as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carried out a controlled demolition of a sinking eleven-storey building.

Videos shared widely on social media captured thunderous explosions echoing through the air as the high-rise structure at Kilifi Corner, Fayaz Estate, crumbled in a cloud of dust.

Birds were seen scattering from the area as the building collapsed, signalling the success of the carefully executed operation.

The demolition followed a Gazette notice by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who authorised the deployment of KDF personnel to assist the Ministry of Interior and the Mombasa County Government in managing the structural emergency.

Controlled demolition of Mombasa building finalized. pic.twitter.com/9hDNLGt5hN - Ali 'Mwamvita' Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) April 9, 2025

The directive was issued under Article 241(3)(b) of the Constitution and Section 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act.

The building, located on Plot No. XLVI/195/MI along Abdel Nasser Road began sinking on April 2, sparking widespread concern over its potential collapse and the threat it posed to surrounding homes and businesses.

After an in-depth inspection by a multi-agency task force, including the National Building Inspectorate and the County Department of Lands and Housing, the decision was made to bring it down.

In preparation, 504 patients were evacuated from the nearby Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. Of these, 380 were discharged, while the remaining 124, including eight ICU patients, were transferred to Utange and Port Reitz hospitals.

Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir also ordered a mandatory evacuation within a 1.2-kilometre radius, affecting key roads such as Digo Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue, and Ronald Ngala Road.

Beach Management Units were directed to clear adjacent waters, while Nyali Bridge, a vital access point to and from Mombasa Island, was closed to ensure public safety.

Speaking at the site, Governor Nassir praised residents for their cooperation: "We thank the people of Mombasa. Most have vacated, and we're on track to restore normalcy by this afternoon. You'll hear a loud thud, but this is a controlled demolition, the impact will be minimal."

The operation, expected to last eight hours, was backed by a robust emergency response involving fire engines, ambulances, and security personnel from the NYS, KWS, NPS, and Kenya Army.

County Commissioner Mohammed Noor urged patience as residents await clearance to return.