Editor's Review

The Solai dam tragedy happened in 2018 after the dam collapsed sending millions of litres of water into the homes downstream and killing 47 people.

The Kins of 47 Solai dam tragedy victims have agreed to sign a compensation deal with billionaire Perry Mansukhlal. 

Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in a statement on Tuesday, November 7 said the two parties agreed to the deal in an out-of-court settlement. 

According to the commission, families who lost adults during the tragedy will receive Ksh 1.2 million while minors will receive Ksh 800,000. 

“Kins of 47 Solai dam tragedy victims agree and sign a compensation deal Sh 1.2 million for adults' families and Sh800,000 for minors. KHRC represents 29 victims in this agreement, connected to a manslaughter case against nine people, a dam owner and his workers,” KHRC stated.

The tragedy happened in 2018 in Nakuru County after the Solai dam collapsed sending millions of litres of water gushing through the fields of a 3,000-acre commercial coffee farm and into the homes downstream, killing  47 people.

File image of the Solai Dam tragedy. 

Most of those who were swept away by the raging waters were women, children and elderly persons.

Nine individuals including Mansukhal and workers were charged with manslaughter over the incident with the case dragging in court for five years.

Naivasha Chief Magistrate Narthan Lutta Shiundu in April ruled that the nine individuals have a case to answer.

“Having scrutinised the evidence before the court, I am convinced that a prima facie case has been established against all the accused persons and I proceed to put them on their defence forthwith,” the magistrate said.