Patel Mansukh, the owner of Solai dam, has died.
Local authorities confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that Patel succumbed to an unknown illness on Monday, June 28, while receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital.
He had been admitted at the hospital for three days.
"The community is in mourning. Patel was a power house, the economy of Solai depended on him in a big way," a leader in the area mourned.
“We pray to Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace. Funeral details will follow,” Nakuru Hindu Council chairman, Shailesh Sheth stated.
The businessman's name hit the headlines in May when Solai dam burst its banks amidst heavy rain resulting in the death of 48 people.
The Senate committee, which investigated the matter, dismissed reports that Solai Dam tragedy occurred due to natural causes.
The committee noted that it was a case of omission and a conspiracy between the dam owner and state agencies.
The committee chairman Senator Mutula Kilonzo held that Perry Mansukh, NEMA and WARMA officials be held liable for the loss of the 48 lives.
In a ruling in February 2020, Perry Kansagara, also a managing director of Patel Coffee Estates, Vinoj Jaya Kumar, the general manager, and seven others who had been charged with 48 counts of manslaughter and other criminal offences, were acquitted.
Naivasha Chief Magistrate Kennedy Bidali set all the nine free, saying prosecutors had failed to show a willingness to prosecute the matter.
