Solai dam tragedy could have been avoided, agency says

The Kenya Human Rights Commission now says the Solai dam tragedy that left over 40 people killed and 5,000 displaced could have been averted.

Executive Director George Kegoro accused State officers of laxity saying they did not act on earlier information from members of the public warning them off imminent danger posed by the dam.

Kegoro revealed that the commission learnt of ignorance among officers from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and Water Resource Management Authority (WARMA).

According to the report released on Friday, the officials failed to act on early warning that the dam would burst its banks.

Had the officers acted on the tip off and taken the necessary action the dam tragedy could have been prevented, he reiterated.

Those interviewed in the KHRC report include State officers, victims of the tragedy, human rights agencies and journalists.