TikToker Naliaka is grieving the death of her mother, who was confirmed among the victims of the Eastleigh building collapse in Nairobi.
The 18-storey structure came down on October 23, trapping dozens of people. In the days that followed, Naliaka turned to social media to share emotional updates as she waited for news, holding onto hope that her mother would be pulled out alive. Fourteen days after the tragedy, that hope was extinguished.
Writing on her TikTok account, @jokernaliaka, Naliaka confirmed the loss in a post that left many of her followers in tears:
“14 days of waiting. Rest in peace, mum. I can’t believe that death did knock on our door; we loved you, but God loved you more.”
The grief was made all the more raw by a video Naliaka shared featuring herself and her mother together. In the clip, the TikToker wore a black T-shirt and black trousers, while her mum appeared in a blue dress and matching hoodie.
The two laughed and posed playfully for the camera, blissfully unaware of how little time they had left together. Recovery teams have been working tirelessly at the Eastleigh site since the collapse, retrieving several bodies as the operation continues.
Naliaka’s followers responded with an outpouring of love and sympathy after she shared the news.
@tashleytugi:
“Sending hugs to her.”
@mwelu__makau:
“This broke me; I won’t lie 💔💔 Mothers should be immortal.”
@solita_soly:
“I’m so sorry, stranger. One foot in front of another. Some days will be better than others.”
