Naivasha Law Courts ruled that nine Solai Dam suspects have a case to answer against charges of manslaughter and neglect of duty.
The Solai Dam tragedy killed 48 people in Nakuru four years ago.
Perry Manusukh, the farm’s owner was charged alongside Vinoj Jaya Kumar, Johnson Njuguna, Luka Kipyegen, Winnie Muthoni, Jacinta Were, Tomkin Odo Odhiambo, Williec Omondi, and Lynette Cheruiyot.
The nine are accused of neglecting their responsibilities by failing to submit an environmental impact assessment report, which resulted in the fatalities on May 9, 2018.
The court arrived at the decision after hearing evidence from 36 State witnesses.
During the proceedings, dispute arose over an application by witness counsel Kelly Marenya to be allowed to cross-examine the defense witnesses.
Marenya said that the witnesses, who were the most adversely affected by the dam tragedy, had been treated as mere bystanders throughout the proceedings.
State Counsel Alex Muteti supported his application, stating that the victims had the right to participate in the court; however, the defense, represented by Senior Counsel Pravin Bowry, objected this application.
The case will be mentioned on May 11, 2023.
