Protestors block Kisii-Kisumu highway decrying its poor state
Demonstrators block the Kisii-Kisumu highway at Daraja Moja on January 16, 2016 using stones and bonfires to protest the poor state of the road. They want the government to fulfil the promise made to repair the road. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Travelling on the road was disrupted as protesters blocked both sides of the highway with huge stones.
- The protestors said that they had waited for the government to start work to upgrade the road in vain.
- They said President Uhuru Kenyatta is aware of the poor state of the road and that he had promised that it would be repaired soon.
Angry demonstrators on Monday morning blocked the busy Kisii-Kisumu highway protesting the poor state of the road.
The demonstrators, mostly boda boda riders, took to the streets saying the road has been in a bad shape for many years.
Travelling on the road was disrupted as protesters blocked both sides of the highway with huge stones.
Those who spoke to the Nation said they had waited for the government to start work to upgrade the road in vain.
"Our leaders have always given us empty promises that they will construct this road. It is time they honoured the promises," said James Onkoba, a boda boda rider.
Jones Ondieki, another boda boda rider, said President Uhuru Kenyatta is aware of the poor state of the road and that he had promised that it would be repaired soon.
"The President came here and promised that the road will be constructed. It is now eight months and we are yet to see any construction kicking off, “he said.
Another resident, Vincent Oino, said the bad state of the road has led to the death of many people as accidents occur frequently.
"A lot of people have lost their lives because of the poor state of the road. Something has to be done,” he said.
