End to Solai Dam case as victims receive compensation cheques from Patel Family 

The compensation follows an out of court settlement decision by a Naivasha Law court that saw the conclusion of the case last week.

Under the scheme of compensation, a total of 73 bankers cheques were issued to the families.

For those who lost an adult in the dam tragedy, a compensation cheque of Sh 1.2 million was issued while a Sh 900,000 cheque for those who lost a child.

The victims whom majority lost their loved ones say though it was painful experience, they chose to withdraw the case and settle it out of court.

Led by John Mwangi, they say pursuing the case would have cost them more harm than good with emotions all over whenever they attended court sessions.

“We felt it wise as families who were affected to withdraw the case and settle it out of court,” says Mwangi who lost his wife in the tragedy.

Sentiments echoed by Julia Mawachi who lost three of her kids in the tragedy.

She adds two were swept by the waters from the Dam that had burst, while the other one died while fighting for her life in hospital.

The Cheques were issued in the presence of Patel family lawyer Boniface Masinde, Patel Family,area Chief Charles Kiragu and representatives office of Director of Public prosecution in a meeting held at PCEA church Kamkunji in Solai.

According to Lawyer Masinde, the process is a culmination of court process that saw the Prosecution side, Defense and the victims come to an agreement.

“We thank the prosecution, defense  and the victims for coming into agreement to finalize  this matter,” he says.

Sentiments echoed by Patel Family led by Pery Mansuk.

Pery who is now in-charge of the vast family property in Nakuru and Mombasa, reiterated the commitment of the family in living in harmony with the locals.

“We shall continue to work closely with the locals and better their lives,” said Pery.

During the event, locals were sensitized on matters savings by officials from Equity bank.