Residents Protest Over Ruto’s Unfulfilled Road Promise in Nyamira and Bungoma

Residents of Nyamira and Bungoma counties took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the worsening state of local roads, accusing President William Ruto of failing to deliver on his long-standing promise to upgrade key routes to tarmac

The demonstrators said that despite Ruto’s pledge  made during his tenure as deputy president  to launch the Manga–Mote–Momwamu road project and other infrastructure works, little progress has been made more than three years later

During a 2022 campaign stop, Ruto had assured Nyamira residents that the government would prioritize vital roads to spur regional economic growth. “Tutaweka sahihi na watu wa Nyamira mtuambie barabara gani ni muhimu kwenu,” he said at the time

However, locals now say the unfulfilled promises have left them frustrated and economically strained. “Kuna kipindi nakumbuka akija na CS Duale akisema hii barabara itawekwa lami, tumengoja hatujui itakuja lini,” lamented Douglas Ngare, a Manga resident

Motorists have been forced to navigate through deep mud during rains, often requiring assistance from passersby to push their vehicles. “Haipitiki, hata magari ya kupeleka makaratasi yanakwama,” added Geoffrey Mombinya

The protesters, marching along the neglected routes, demanded urgent government intervention and warned leaders against using stalled projects as political campaign tools

In Bungoma County, similar demonstrations erupted in Lwakhaka, where residents blocked roads leading to the Kenya–Uganda border. Business activities came to a standstill as locals decried the poor state of the crucial trade corridor

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“Barabara ni mbaya kuenda hadi Bungoma… magari yetu yanakwama,” said Joy Nelima, a resident. The protests left hundreds of travellers stranded as drivers joined the call for rehabilitation of the route

The cross-border road, vital for trade between Kenya, Uganda, and neighboring countries, has fallen into disrepair, hampering the movement of goods and services. “Viongozi muwajibike… barabara inayoingia Uganda iko sawa, yetu ndiyo mbovu,” said driver Peter Kituyi

Residents from both counties are now urging local and national leaders to take swift action to restore the damaged infrastructure and fulfill the long-delayed promises of development