Angry residents from Nyaki East ward in Meru County staged protests over the poor state of the Rwanyange-Kamoja road linking the area to the Meru-Mikinduri highway, accusing area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Kinyua Muuna of neglecting development and failing to address deteriorating infrastructure in the area.
The frustrated residents, who gathered along the damaged road armed with shovels and other tools, said they have been forced to repair sections of the road themselves after years of waiting for intervention from county leaders.
They complained that the road becomes impassable whenever it rains, paralyzing transport and making it difficult for residents to access emergency services.
Frustrated residents work to repair the Rwanyange-Kamoja road. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Speaking during the protests, the residents led by Musa Marira from Gatorone village said they have grown tired of what they termed as empty promises from leaders.
They noted that motorists and boda boda riders were among the people suffering most because of the poor condition of the road, adding that residents could no longer continue waiting for the relevant leaders to act while their suffering persisted.
“We are tired of the poor state of this road, which becomes impassable whenever it rains. Today, we decided to start repairing it ourselves because our MCA, Kinyua Muuna, has failed to address the problem,” said Marira.
The residents further claimed that several other roads within Nyaki East ward are also in poor condition, forcing locals to organize similar efforts to restore accessibility in different parts of the area.
They questioned how funds allocated for road maintenance and development are being utilized, arguing that little development could be seen on the ground despite repeated promises from elected leaders.
A Section of residents work to repair the Rwanyange -Kamoja road. Photo by Brian Gitonga
Residents also turned their anger towards elected leaders including area MP Rahim Dawood, accusing them of disappearing after elections while voters continue to struggle with poor infrastructure and lack of developments.
They said the condition of the roads has negatively affected transport, business activities and access to essential services within the ward.
Another resident, Lydia Kambura, lamented that the poor condition of the road has exposed residents to insecurity and delayed emergency responses whenever it rains.
She narrated how criminals recently stole her sheep but escaped because the muddy road made it impossible to pursue them, warning that leaders risk being voted out if no action is taken.
“Because of the poor state of this road, we are unable to get help during emergencies. Recently, my sheep were stolen, but after it rained, it became impossible to pursue the thieves. If our MCA does not listen to our concerns, we will send him home in the 2027 elections,” said Kambura.
Lydia Kambura laments of the poor state of the road. Photo by Brian Gitonga
The residents further expressed disappointment with the current leadership, saying many of their concerns have gone unanswered despite repeated appeals to leaders in office.
Some of the demonstrators openly declared support for alternative leaders ahead of the next elections, saying they are looking for leaders who will prioritize development and service delivery in the ward.
They said residents have now lost confidence in some leaders whom they accused of abandoning the electorate after winning elections.
They urged young people within the area to register as voters and elect responsible leaders committed to improving infrastructure and addressing the challenges affecting the people.
“We have been forced to repair these roads ourselves with the help of a few well-wishers. We believe there are better leaders with stronger qualities, among them James Munene Timothi, whom we are ready to support in 2027,” said Kambura.
Poor state of the Rwanyange-Kamoja Road . Photo by Brian Gitonga
Mwirigi Gachenja, another resident, challenged leaders currently in office to remember the promises they made while campaigning for votes during the previous elections.
He said residents are questioning what message the leaders will return with ahead of the next election cycle, arguing that many of the promises made during campaigns have not been fulfilled.
Gachenja said residents are becoming more politically conscious and are carefully monitoring the performance of leaders they elected into office.
An Ox-Cart Struggles struggles the mud. Photo by Brian Gitonga
He warned that residents will not easily forget the promises made to them regarding development projects, especially roads and other essential public services.
Area Chief Jakubu Kiriinya also acknowledged the suffering residents are facing because of the road, saying the situation becomes worse during rainy seasons.
He noted that the poor road network has delayed access to medical assistance and other emergency services, especially for residents living in remote villages.
Area Chief Jakubu Kiriinya adresses the Press. Photo by Brian Gitonga
The chief appealed to county leaders to urgently intervene and ease the suffering of residents, noting that the road is critical in connecting residents to markets, schools and health facilities.
He maintained that improving the road will greatly reduce the challenges residents continue to face during rainy seasons.
“We are appealing for this road to be repaired because residents are demanding their right and not begging for it. This road falls under the county government, and therefore MCA Kinyua Muuna together with Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia should ensure action is taken,” said chief Kiriinya.
Edited by John Majau
