Mansukul Patel: The man behind Solai dams

To many, the Patel family are friends and enemies in equal measure.

They are well known in Solai, Nakuru County with the oldest of them–Mansukul Patel, having ventured into farming and created a successful business empire.

The 3000-acre farm thrived through the years irrespective of the country’s political regime.

It is alleged that Mansukul had connections with both the Moi and Biwott families.

He was also known for his philanthropic nature, having built four local schools and roads around the area.

When he passed on, his expansive farm was left under the management of his sons who have avoided the limelight.

Not even the recent collapse of one of their dams in Solai, that left 46 people dead and over 5,000 displaced, could draw them out.

Journalists who have made several attempts to seek audience with them have had to contend with their representative, Vinod Jayakumar, the farm’s manager.

The Solai dam tragedy has sparked mixed reactions among locals, some of whom have worked at the farm for many years.