Narok Court Grants Ksh 457 Million as Compensation to Chinese Tourist who was Murdered at a Maasai Mara Lodge
Written by moradio on 7 March 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7- A court in Narok has granted a compensation of 23 million Chinese Yuan (equivalent to approximately Ksh.457 million) to the family of a Chinese female tourist who was fatally stabbed in 2016 by another Chinese citizen following a dispute over seating arrangements during dinner at Keekorok Lodge in Maasai Mara National Park.
The late Luo Jinli’s family was also awarded an additional 1 million Chinese Yuan (about Ksh.20 million) for the emotional distress they endured, asserting that Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara bears full responsibility.
The family filed a lawsuit against Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara, alleging that Luo Jinli’s death resulted from negligence on the part of the lodge.
The court observed that the evidence and circumstances of the case point to the defendant’s failure to fulfill its duty of care, contradicting their claims. Under the law, the defendant, as the occupier of the premises, is obligated to ensure visitors’ safety.
According to lawyer Conrad Maloba, the family checked into the lodge on August 8, 2016, accompanied by their tour guide Bai Jiang.
During dinner, a verbal altercation erupted between Luo Jinli and the guide, leading Jiang to grab a knife and fatally stab her.
The court found that the deceased may have had up to 60 years of productive life remaining, thus justifying a multiplier of 15 years to calculate the compensation.
Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara defended itself by stating that adequate security measures were in place at all times, and despite having the opportunity, the visitors failed to report the initial incident.
