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Three Killed in Nairobi Building Collapse; Kenya Hosts Anti- Poaching Summit; Race for the White House 2016; Leicester City Comes from Outside. Aired 12-12:30a ET

Aired April 30, 2016 - 00:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


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NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Rescue efforts are underway after a 7-story building collapses in the Kenyan capital.

As Donald Trump eyes victory in a Republican presidential race, protests against his candidacy grow more vocal and violent.

And they started the season as 5,000:1 outsiders. This weekend, Leicester City could enjoy a fairy tale finish in the English Premier League. We will show you how the team is inspiring young footballers half a world away.

It's all ahead here. We're live in Atlanta. I'm Natalie Allen.

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ALLEN: We begin in Kenya, where rescue workers are desperately trying to reach people feared buried under a collapsed building. The 7-story residential structure collapsed Friday in Nairobi, killing at least three people.

Kenya's Red Cross says a total of 45 people have been rescued. But scores more may still be trapped in the rubble. Among the dozens of those rescued were two babies -- right there -- and several children.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown. But heavy rains and floods in Kenya's capital may have played a role. The rainy season in Nairobi is currently at its peak while the flooding potential continues this weekend. Our meteorologist, Derek Van Dam, is joining us with more on that situation.

You have got a graphic that's quite telling about how much rain they have been getting.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. We will get to that in just one second, Natalie. But something interesting, as I did a bit of investigation into this particular incident, that there's an extremely high demand for housing in Nairobi.

So what has been known to happen is that some property developers -- I'm not saying everyone but some property developers have been known to bypass building regulations to cut costs and maximize their profits. In fact, the architectural site at Kenya says about 50 percent of the structures in Nairobi are not currently up to code.

So when you start building next to rivers in low income areas, flash flooding is going to be a concern and extremely heavy rain is going to bring on that threat of flash flooding. You can see it's actually still raining there. You are looking at some of the rescue efforts taking place there.

This area has seen an extreme amount of rainfall over past four days. Unfortunately, there's more rain to come, as Natalie just alluded to. This graph really tells it all. We're right in the height of the rainy season in Kenya, specifically into Nairobi.

Look at the graph, breaks it down month by month. April to May, that's when we peak. We should typically this time of year experience just over 200 millimeters of rainfall throughout the month of April. It's just a lot of that rain has come in a very short period of time.

What do we know?

Let me highlight this area across the northeast suburbs of Nairobi with Google Earth. We will zoom in to this particular region. This is a grew region and just northeast -- Hiruma (ph) -- excuse me if I'm mispronouncing that.

Again, a suburb just to the north and east of Nairobi. The interesting thing that we have noted on Google Earth -- and it's very difficult to depict here -- is that this particular low income housing region is between two major rivers, one, the Nairobi River and to the lesser extent a smaller river called the Matari (ph) River, which is just to the north of where we suspect the building collapsed.

We actually believe that this is the row of buildings that had the structural damage. There's the river. It is quite narrow and it is rather prone to flash flooding. So any extreme amount of rain will bring a torrent of precipitation and flooding through that region.

Look at the satellite. It is just lit up across Central and Eastern Kenya within the past four days. In fact, in Bukenya (ph), just to the northeast of Nairobi, has had 185 millimeters in the past four days. And that is nearly their monthly average total in just a short span of time.

Typically, we get what is called the intertropical convergence zone that shifts northward through this time of the year across that part of the world. That is responsible for the thunderstorm activity and, unfortunately, there is more rain to come. So that flash flood threat continues through the weekend and into early next week.

We have seen plenty of pictures on social media, indicating that the flooding is a major concern across that area.

By the way, Natalie, one other thing about this story is that there was hour-long -- several hour-long traffic jams caused by the flooded roads that delayed the rescue efforts in the collapsed building. So something that CNN will have to monitor closely.

ALLEN: Well, we hope to be talking with someone, too, working in the rescue effort. Thank you for that, Derek.

But meantime, Kenya is hosting first Giants Club Summit, a meeting of African leaders focused on tackling --

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ALLEN: -- poaching of the continent's giant animals. And to coincide with the event, the largest ivory burn ever will be held in Nairobi Saturday. More than 100 tons of ivory will be destroyed.

We get more from CNN's Robyn Kriel in Nairobi.

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ROBYN KRIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: On Saturday, the Kenyan public and the world will have the chance to watch almost $200 million U.S. worth of illegal elephant ivory and rhino horn literally go up in smoke.

The Kenyan government maintains, though, that this bounty, almost three times the size of any other sort of destruction of this nature, is worth nothing unless it's on a live animal.

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KRIEL (voice-over): A heavy burden for Kenyans to bear. Never has the continent's poaching epidemic been so visceral than this endless train of elephant tusks, forming something of a graveyard to the world's iconic endangered species.

And soon this will turn into a crematorium: 12 piles of ivory and rhino horn will be set ablaze in the largest burn of illegal wildlife products in history.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have a pumping station. There we've got a mixing tank, where we'll be mixing kerosene and diesel, 50 percent each. And then we'll pump it down individual pipes to each tower. We call these ivory towers.

KRIEL (voice-over): It's the ivory of around 8,000 elephants; combined with the rhino horn, this bounty would be worth an estimated $172 U.S. million on the black market.

The potential income that could be generated from this sale has been difficult for many cash-strapped African governments to accept, money that could be put perhaps towards conservation. But Kenya believes it's worth absolutely nothing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: From a Kenya perspective we are not watching any money go up in smoke because, from our perspective, there is no intrinsic value. Kenya believes that the only value of the ivory is tusks on a live elephant.

KRIEL (voice-over): It's a practice that goes back to 1989; a Kenyan invention to deal with the severe poaching crisis.

Today, a new crisis looms: a growing Chinese economy and appetite for illegal wildlife products and now audience to reach.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They never saw the 1989-1990 crisis. They were not subjected to the pressure that we brought on the world's markets in those days. So we have to do it again and that's what we're doing.

KRIEL (voice-over): A record number of rhinos were poached in Africa last year, around 1,338. And contributing to the stockpile, an elephant is killed every 15 minutes for its tusks.

KRIEL: Each pair of these tusks tells an individual story of an elephant's life. And you can tell just what kind of life it was by the grooves and markings that you can see here. You can tell its approximate age and oftentimes how it died as well.

There are these huge tusks that weigh up to 110 pounds each. And then there are those, tiny tusks belonging to babies, never given the chance to mature or live.

KRIEL (voice-over): The fire could for last up to a week. But organizers hope its image and stigma will be burned into memory forever.

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KRIEL: Dignitaries from across the African continent will be in attendance. Kenya's President Kenyatta will light the flame of the first pyre. The country's main aim is to have a permanent ban on ivory trade across the world -- Robyn Kriel, CNN, Nairobi.

ALLEN: Be sure to stay with CNN Saturday as Kenya holds that massive ivory burn. We're bringing it to you live. That's at 1:00 pm London time and 8:00 pm in Hong Kong.

We return to our stop story now, the collapse of a 7-story building in the Kenyan capital. Armilda Shiundu (ph) is with Kenya's Red Cross and joins me now on the phone from Nairobi.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Armilda (ph).

First of all, I want to ask you, this was a residential building.

Do we know how many people were inside and how many people may be trapped?

ARMILDA SHIUNDU (PH), KENYA'S RED CROSS: I think at this stage, it's too early for us to be speculating on the numbers. Because right now, we haven't been able to ascertain that. And so what I can tell you right now is that there's a glimmer of hope coming through the devastation that has been in this collapsed building.

We have been able to make contact with a couple of survivors. They are responsive. We have been able to communicate with them. And initially, you know, there was the two individuals who we're speaking to. They were able to tell us that they are aware of other survivors, who are around them.

So at least you know, we, right now -- some of them are trapped by a couple of objects. So we have been working through the night. The dedicated --

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SHIUNDU (PH): -- teams here, from the military, from the Kenya police, from the Kenya Red Cross, to try and cut away some of the rubble and cut around some of the metal objects that are trapping these individuals so we can get them out.

ALLEN: That is such hopeful news and so good to hear. And we're watching now as one of the babies that was pulled alive is held. And people are cheering and being carried away. It's such a beautiful sight to see. And hopefully, there will be more scenes like that as you cut through this building.

Can you describe the screen for us?

And did the entire building collapse?

SHIUNDU (PH): Like you had said earlier, this is a 7-story building. So the initial reports are suggesting that the bottom floors caved in and so then the top floors just came tumbling down.

You asked me to describe the scene. It's heartbreaking because there's rubble everywhere.

But then, in and amongst the rubble, you have got mattresses strewn around. You have got clothing. You've got shoes, some children's shoes, even kitchen equipment, like pots and pans. So I mean, really it's -- photo albums. So it's quite heartbreaking.

But like you said, every time we plow through, we move some rubble and we hear a voice and it gives the entire -- the multiagencies that are here the morale to just keep on fighting so that we can get to as many people -- as many survivors out as possible.

ALLEN: Yes and you say multiagencies. Looking at the video now of everyone working frantically and pulling together, it looks like local people and people with helmets and vests, all mixed in there together.

SHIUNDU (PH): Yes. So we have -- the military has taken charge. That's the Kenya Defense Forces. They have their disaster response units. They are taking charge. We have the Kenyan police who are here. We have also got the national youth service, some personnel from the NYS are here.

Of course, we have got the Kenya Red Cross. We've got Ben Jones (ph) Ambulance. And particularly for the Red Cross, our role here is to support in the search and rescue. So we have deployed our search and rescue experts, who are out here, working with the team to help in the process.

And also, we have deployed our emergency medical services; our ambulances are here. So any survivors that we get out from the building, we are ferrying them to the hospital. The two major hospitals that we are -- the victims are being -- casualties are being taken to is, number one, Kenyatta National Hospital and the second hospital is Mamaluki Tibaki (ph) Hospital.

And then lastly, for the Red Cross, this is a very traumatic -- as you can imagine -- environment to be in. And some of the neighbors who witnessed the collapsed building yesterday are going to need some psychosocial support. So Red Cross will deploy some initial counselors late last night and we have enhancement of further counselors coming in.

And then especially for the families who have been separated from their loved ones, they're going to have a chasing desk onsite. So anyone who is looking for a family member, a loved one, a friend, we encourage to you come down and the Kenya Red Cross will be providing the chasing services to help you reconnect with your loved ones.

ALLEN: Very good information. And thank you so much for sharing these hopeful signs of more rescues and everyone pulling together there. Armilda Shiundu (ph), thanks very much, with the Kenya Red Cross.

SHIUNDU (PH): Thank you.

ALLEN: Still ahead here, meet the football team taking the English Premier League by storm.

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ALLEN: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM.

For the second day in a row, protests turned violent at a Donald Trump event. The Republican front-runner for the White House was set to give a speech at California's Republican Convention -- state convention. But protesters blocked his motorcade, forcing him to walk to the venue's back entrance. We get more from CNN's Sunlen Serfaty.

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SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tonight, tensions rising in California. A large group of demonstrators flooding streets outside the California Republican Convention, protesting Donald Trump's appearance.

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: That was not the easiest entrance I have ever made.

SERFATY: The front-runner's motorcade dodging the crowds, Trump forced to enter and exit his speech on foot to avoid protesters. TRUMP: We went under a fence and through a fence. And, oh, boy, it felt like I was crossing the border.

SERFATY: The protests occurring a day after hundreds of demonstrators clashed with Trump supporters outside his rally in Costa Mesa, all this as Trump sells his candidacy to GOP insiders in California, one of the last primary states on June 7 that could play a decisive role in delivering Trump the 1,237 delegates he needs to secure the nomination.

TRUMP: We have far more votes than anybody else, far more delegates than anybody else and we're going to hit that number I think quite easily.

SERFATY: As Trump focuses on closing out the race in California, Ted Cruz is slogging it out in the trenches of Indiana. His campaign sees Tuesday's primary as crucial to blocking Trump's path to the nomination and pushing the race toward a contested convention and the senator is pulling out all the stops.

SEN. TED CRUZ (R), TEXAS, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think Governor Mike Pence is an optimistic, positive, unifying force.

SERFATY: Cruz picking up the support today of Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

GOV. MIKE PENCE (R), INDIANA: I am not against anybody, but I will be voting for Ted Cruz.

SERFATY: But Pence's endorsement lukewarm.

PENCE: Whoever wins the Republican nomination for President of the United States, I am going to work my heart out to get elected this fall.

SERFATY: Also offering plenty of praise for Trump.

PENCE: I particularly want to commend Donald Trump who I think has given voice to the frustration of millions of working Americans with the lack of progress in Washington, D.C.

SERFATY: Trump, who also courted and hoped for the endorsement of Pence:

TRUMP: I have met with him. He may not endorse. I don't think he will endorse anybody actually and he may endorse us.

SERFATY: Not letting enough for Cruz.

TRUMP: Have we branded this guy or what? He probably -- I see him walking into these beautiful corridors in Washington. The guys said, hey, Lyin' Ted. How you doing?

SERFATY: But is saving his fiercest fire now for Hillary Clinton, intensifying attacks on his potential general election rival. TRUMP: No, crooked Hillary. She said very strongly, I don't like the tone of Donald Trump. The tone. Now, she is there shouting all night long, reading off teleprompters.

SERFATY: And taunting Clinton over Twitter, calling her the most dishonest person to have ever run for the presidency and one of the all-time great enablers, as Trump adopts a softer tone against Bernie Sanders.

TRUMP: I really want to beat her more than Sanders.

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ALLEN: Hillary Clinton has routinely dismissed Trump's attacks and name-calling. The woman you heard him dub "Crooked Hillary" by the Republican front-runner recently sat down with CNN's Jake Tapper. She said she --

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ALLEN: -- could care less about Trump's remarks.

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JAKE TAPPER, CNN CHIEF WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: He has taken politics to a new place with his negative branding of people, whether it's saying Jeb Bush has low energy or talking about Lyin' Ted Cruz. And for his supporters, it's really worked.

He has lately taken to calling you, I believe, "Corrupt Hillary" and he's had some rather personal and pointed tweets.

Have you learned anything from watching the way that Republicans dealt with him in the primaries that will inform how you will deal with such an unconventional candidate?

HILLARY CLINTON, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, remember, I have a lot of experience dealing with men who sometimes get off the reservation in the way they behave and how they speak. I'm not going to deal with their temper tantrums or their bullying or their efforts to try to provoke me.

He can say whatever he wants to say about me. I could really care less. I'm going to stand up for what I think the American people need and want in the next president.

That's why I've laid out very specific plans. There's nothing secret about what I want to do with the economy, with education, with health care, with foreign policy. I have laid it all out there. And he can't or he won't -- I can't tell which.

So we're going to talk about what we want to do for the country. And he can continue on his insult-fest. But that's the choice he's making.

(END VIDEOTAPE) ALLEN: Hillary Clinton there.

Well, Leicester City just one game away from history. We will show you how their success is inspiring fans around the world.

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ALLEN: Leicester City Football Club will play for the English Premier League title on Sunday. At the beginning of the season, their odds to win were at 5,000:1. But they are here now and have just one more team between them and history.

The bad news is, that team is the storied Manchester United. Leicester City versus Man U seems more like a David versus Goliath matchup if you look at the club's history and not the current standings.

United have won a record 20 English League titles, more than any other club. But while Leicester have none so far, it is on course for its first league title in its 132-year history.

Look at the revenue. Manchester United earned $574 million last season; Leicester City's revenue, about $151 million. United also has the largest stadium. Old Trappord (ph) seats more than 75,000; Leicester's King Power stadium, just 32,000 fans.

Man U also rules social media with 7.5 million Twitter followers. Leicester City has a little more than a half-million followers and climbing -- you can bet that.

Leicester City has strong ties to Thailand thanks to its owner, who grew up there. His company, King Power, is on front of the Leicester jersey. And now it looks to be behind a new wave of star footballers. Our Christina Macfarlane visited Thailand to see how the club's success was inspiring young players.

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CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is what effect Leicester City's success is having on the other side of the world, thousands of children, patiently queuing for the chance to become the club's --

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MACFARLANE (voice-over): -- next Thai star of the future, hoping one day to wear the King Power blue shirt.

It's part of the "Foxes" new reality TV show in Thailand, taking place all over the country under the watchful eye of the team of scouts. It's just one example of how the club's Thai owners are giving back to their homeland. MICHOK RASDRANUWAT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR "GOAL" (through translator): The owner of Leicester City is Thai and this is such a good opportunity to be able to see Thai's play in the U.S. Premier League. The show is just the first step to give Thai players that opportunity.

MACFARLANE: It's not the only place the owners are making an impact. In August, Leicester City are rumored to be sending a team of coaches to help the national team qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

If anyone knows about succeeding against the odds, it's Leicester.

PEERAPOL "CHAMP" EUARIYAKUL, TV HOST, "HOT SHOTS BY CHAMP": Good scout, great analysis can mean more than splashing hundreds of millions of dollars or pounds if the Thai football can take something from Leicester. I think they have the edge.

MACFARLANE: Thailand's top sports presented Champ Euariyakul has seen first hand how the club's success is changing attitudes across the country.

EUARIYAKUL: The problem with the Thai society is that, sometimes we're too humble. And when we said I have this dream to become the best player in the history of the game, people will say, you know what, you're too cocky.

But now, (inaudible) has shown. If Leicester can win the English Premier League, the number one league in the world, then why can't Thailand qualify for the World Cup?

MACFARLANE: But if Thailand doesn't succeed in the upper echelons of the game, it's here at the grass roots level, the real work needs to be done.

Acadena Bangkok has been running a football education program here in the city's biggest slum for the past two years. The goal is to help these kids play their way out of poverty by providing a pathway to a footballing future.

CHARLY NOMDEDUE, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ACADENA BANGKOK: With these things today is to help them to have like a structure. They need to arrive on time, have the good food, sleep good. That's what difficult to implement here because they are living in the slum and so the condition around them are not really good for that.

It's possible for me to see them in the Premier League Spanish into about three years.

MACFARLANE: Really?

NONDEDUE: Yes. MACFARLANE: There may only be one Leicester City shirt I a sea of Barcelona, Man United and Liverpool, but there's no doubt who they all want to be.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jamie Vardy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jamie Vardy. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jamie Vardy.

MACFARLANE: If the club's influence continues to filter down from the top of the Premier League to a slum in the backstreets of Bangkok, it could be the beginning of a new era for football in the land of smiles -- Christina Macfarlane, CNN, Bangkok.

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ALLEN: And that is CNN NEWSROOM. Thank you for watching. Our top stories are right after this.