Gachagua promises urgent action against danger spot on Nithi Bridge

Vice President Rigathi Gachagua has promised residents of Meru and Tharaka Nithi districts that the government will address the ongoing dangers at the Nithi Bridge accident blackspot, which has already seen numerous fatal accidents.

Gachagua's commitment follows a tragic accident on Saturday in which 12 people were killed when a van and a pickup truck collided at the notorious accident scene.

Speaking during a centenary service of the Methodist Church of Kenya at Mikumbune in Meru, Gachagua said he had spoken to the Principal Secretary of the Roads Department, Joseph Mbugua, who confirmed that the redesign of the deadly Nithi Bridge was almost complete.

The aim of the redesign is to eliminate the sharp curves that contributed to the danger zone status.

“We have lost too many lives at Nithi Bridge. It is unfortunate that we lost another 12 people yesterday at this notorious spot. I discussed this with PS Mbugua and he informed me that the plans to redesign it are almost complete. We will solve this problem once and for all,” Gachagua said.

Built in 1983, the 50-metre-long bridge has been the scene of several tragic accidents, including one in 2022 in which 36 passengers on a bus bound for Mombasa died.

Due to the steep terrain and dangerous curves, accidents on the bridge are common.

Gachagua added that the community is also traumatized by the regular incidents, as they are often the first to witness the horrific scenes and are the first to respond.

On security issues, Gachagua praised the Meru District Commissioner for curbing cattle theft in the region.

He called on security officials to intensify their measures to clear the area of ​​criminals.

The Vice President also addressed concerns about the accumulation of unsold tea stocks in Mombasa warehouses.

Gachagua promised to resolve the issue and promised to visit Mombasa on Friday to investigate the situation at the Mombasa auction.

He also assured the tea farmers that the government is exploring new markets in Pakistan, Iran and other regions.

At the national political level, Gachagua stressed the importance of unity among heads of state and government to promote cohesion among Kenya's diverse communities.

He thanked the people of Nyanza Region for the warm welcome they received during a recent development tour with President William Ruto and reiterated his commitment to building friendships across the country in the spirit of broad-based government.

Responding to allegations that the Central Kenya region had not shown enough gratitude to President Ruto, Gachagua refuted these allegations, saying that the region had fully supported Ruto during his presidential campaign.

He said it was now the President's responsibility to in turn ensure development throughout the country, especially in the Mount Kenya region.

He also warned the young leaders against making polarising remarks and stressed the region's continued support for President Ruto's government.

Gachagua was accompanied by several leaders including Regional MP Shadrack Mwiti, Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, Meru MP Elizabeth Kailemia, Tharaka Nithi MP Susan Ngugi, Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, among others.