A recent court ruling in Narok has granted a significant compensation package to the family of a Chinese tourist who lost her life in a tragic incident at Keekorok Lodge in Maasai Mara National Park.
The court awarded the family of the late Luo Jinli a total of 23 million Chinese Yuan (about Sh.457 million) as compensation for the unfortunate event that occurred in 2016.
According to the court’s findings, a dispute over seating arrangements during dinner at the lodge escalated into a fatal confrontation between the victim and another Chinese citizen, Bai Jiang, who was serving as their tour guide.
The altercation ended tragically when Jiang fatally stabbed Luo Jinli.
“The evidence and circumstances of this case is an indictment of the defendant for breach of duty of care, quite contrary to their submission,” the court remarked, highlighting the negligence on the part of Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara.
The court emphasized the duty of care owed by the lodge to its visitors, stating, “The defendant under the law being the occupier of premises owes a common duty of care to its visitors which is a duty to take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that visitors will be reasonably be safe in using the premises.”
Represented by lawyer Conrad Maloba, the family argued that the lodge’s negligence directly contributed to the tragic outcome.
They checked into the lodge on August 8, 2016, with Bai Jiang as their tour guide.
During dinner, a verbal altercation ensued between Luo Jinli and Bai Jiang, culminating in Jiang retrieving a steak knife and fatally stabbing the victim.
The court noted the severity of the incident, recognizing that the deceased may have had many years ahead of her.
“Therefore considering the vicissitudes of life, a multiplier of 15 years would be appropriate,” the court added, justifying the compensation amount.
In their defense, Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara claimed to have adequate security measures in place and suggested that the visitors failed to report the initial altercation despite having the opportunity to do so.
However, the court found the lodge liable for the tragic event, emphasizing their duty to ensure the safety of their guests.
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