This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
On July 26, 2019, a devastating dam collapse in Patel Dam owner Perry Mansukh Kansagara's estate resulted in the deaths of 48 people. In a surprising turn of events, Mansukh and his farm manager Vinoj Jaya Kumar are now seeking an out-of-court settlement in the case.
According to State Counsel Catherine Mwaniki, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has received a letter from Mansukh's lawyer, Boniface Masinde, requesting a meeting to discuss the matter. The case is currently pending at the Naivasha Law Courts.
Ms Mwaniki stated that the DPP's office is ready to listen to the accused before making a decision. The court has set aside four days for the case to be heard, with two protected witnesses set to testify.
Ms Mwaniki explained that the request for an out-of-court settlement is similar to a plea bargain, where the accused plead guilty but are given a lesser sentence depending on the charges facing them.
Mr Masinde told the court that both parties would brief the court during the next hearing. The parties are set to meet on August 2 to address issues raised by the two accused and seek the way forward.
The other seven accused in the case are Johnson Njuguna, Luka Kipyegen, Winnie Muthoni, Jacinta Were, Tomkin Odo Odhiambo, Willie Omondi, and Lynette Cheruiyot.
