Starehe Member of Parliament Charles Kanyi Njagua. [Photo/citizentv.co.ke]
A Nyeri court has awarded Sh672,000 to the father of Starehe MP Charles Kanyi Njagua for injuries he sustained after falling into an open manhole in Nyeri town.David Kanyi sued Nyeri Water and Sewerage Company (NYEWASCO) in 2008 for negligence and breach of duty after the incident."I held NYEWASCO liable for breach of statutory duty and negligence, including failure to cover or erect warning signs, and exposing passers-by to risks," Kanyi said, as quoted by the Standard.Kanyi told the court on October 1, 2008 at around 7.30 am he suddenly fell into the two-feet deep uncovered manhole while walking in Nyeri told.The elderly man told the court he sustained severe injuries on the right ankle as a result of the incident.He was admitted in hospital for two weeks where his ankle was fixed with screws and a plaster.Kanyi said he incurred a bill of Sh94,885 and that he had to use crutches for one year.In defence, the company said the accident happened due to Kanyi's own negligence by 'walking carelessly and without due care'.Senior Resident Magistrate Philip Mutua awarded the plaintiff the money and ordered NYEWASCO to pay the cost of the suit.