Underground faults led to collapse of Solai dam, experts tell court

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Multiple underground faults coupled with heavy water seepage caused the Solai dam to collapse five years ago, killing 48 people.

Just like other locations in Rift Valley, the dam had underground drainage faults which left the ground without adequate support, hydrologists and geotechnical experts have told the court.

The experts further noted earth dams such as Solai rarely collapsed on their own except in cases of earthquakes or other erosive forces that weaken the structure.

This emerged during the ongoing trial where Perry Manusukh, who is a director at Solai Farm, and eight others are charged with 48 counts of manslaughter and failing to prepare an environmental impact assessment report.

The other eight charged over the May 8, 2018, tragedy are Vinoj Jaya Kumar, Johnson Njuguna, Luka Kipyegen, Winnie Muthoni, Jacinta Were, Tomkin Odo Odhiambo, Williec Omondi and Lynette Cheruiyot.