The owner of the killer Solai dam Pery Manukush has been allowed to travel out of the country for two weeks.
While granting permission of travel, Naivasha Principal Magistrate Esther Kimilu acussed the prosecution and defence teams of wasting too much time and man power on arguing on the suitability of allowing Manusukh to travel. Manusukh is the owner of Solai farm, which hosts the Patel Dam that burst in May, killing 48 people.
“It would be prudent if the prosecution and defence teams sought ways out of court of addressing how the trader will travel out of the country and back as this will save a lot of time,” she said. In his application, Manusukh had told the court that he intended to travel to Sudan yesterday.
He had applied to have his passport returned as he also wanted to travel to India between December 6 and 11 to visit his son. But the DPP, through an affidavit sworn by State Counsel Victor Owiti, termed the accused a flight risk, noting that he wanted the bond terms reviewed.
The State counsel further noted that there was no extradition treaty between Kenya and the two countries and that this would complicate matters if the accused absconded.
The prosecution questioned the businessman’s frequent trips out of the country.
Owiti said there is no extradition treaty between Kenya and the two countries, which could complicate the case if the suspect absconded court.
Manusukh and his co-accused are also charged with failing to prepare an environmental impact assessment report.
Others suspects are Vinoj Jaya Kumar, Luka Kipyegen, Johnson Njuguna, Winnie Muthoni, Jacinta Were, Tomkin Odo Odhiambo, Williec Omondi and Lynette Cheruiyot.