The owner of The Patel Milmet Dam Patel Mansukh in Solai in Nakuru that killed 48 people after it burst its banks in 2018, has died from COVID-19 complications.
He’s the father to Patel Milmet Dam Managing Director Perry Mansukh.
Burial plans of the deceased are underway at Patel Estates in Solai Nakuru.
The devastating May 9, 2018 tragedy occurred after the dam, near the town of Solai collapsed and burst its banks following heavy downpour.
Investigations into the tragedy found the dam was constructed by unqualified staff and had breached environmental laws.
A deluge of water swept through farmland and engulfed parts of Solai, killing dozens and destroying homes.
The dam owner and several government officials were among the nine who were arrested and charged over the collapse of the dam, known as Patel or Solai.
But after 18 months in court, Naivasha Chief Magistrate Kennedy Bilali set the suspects free, citing little progress with the case.
However, a Naivasha court acquitted nine people charged with causing the deaths of nearly 50 people.
The accused – who included the dam owner – were cleared of manslaughter.
While delivering the ruling in February 2020, the chief magistrate cited a lack of commitment from prosecutors.
Prosecutors said they would appeal against the decision. The accused had all denied wrongdoing.
