Ruto's unfulfilled promise to fix roads sparks protests in Nyamira, Bungoma

The demonstrators said the roads have remained in that state for years despite a pledge by President William Ruto made during his tenure as deputy president to ensure the key routes are upgraded to tarmac. 

It has been over three years since the President, then as DP, announced the commencement of the Manga–Mote–Momwamu road project, alongside hundreds of kilometres of other road works, during the height of the 2022 campaign.

Earlier in May that year, he had urged residents to identify roads they considered crucial for economic transformation, promising development that would spur growth across the region.

“Tutaweka sahihi na watu wa Nyamira mtuambie barabara gani ni muhimu kwenu,” he said then.

But those unfulfilled pledges by President William Ruto to upgrade the Manga–Mote–Momwamu road have sparked growing frustration in Nyamira County, where residents have resorted to regular protests to pressure the government into action.

“Kuna kipindi nakumbuka akija na CS Duale akisema hii barabara itawekwa lami tumengoja hatujui itakuja lini,” said area resident Douglas Ngare.

Locals say the road has deteriorated so severely that motorists routinely get stuck in deep mud during rains, forcing passersby to push vehicles.

“Hii barabara imekuwa ikitusumbua kwa muda mrefu,” said Geoffrey Mombinya, resident, Manga, Nyamira.

“Haipitiki ata magari za kupeleka makaratasi zinakwama,” added Douglas Ngare, resident, Manga, Nyamira.

On Tuesday, angry residents marched along the route, demanding immediate repairs and warning political leaders against using the project as a campaign slogan without delivering results.

A similar scenario played out in Lwakhaka, Bungoma County, where business activities along the Kenya–Uganda border were paralysed as residents blocked the road to protest its poor condition.

“Barabara ni mbaya kuenda hadi Bungoma... magari yetu yanakwama,” said Joy Nelima, Lwakhaka resident.

Hundreds of travellers were left stranded as motorists joined the peaceful demonstrations.

The route, which serves as a vital transport link between Kenya, Uganda, and other neighbouring countries, has fallen into disrepair for years, severely hampering the movement of goods and services.

“Viongozi muwajibike mnafanya hali ya usafiri kutatizika... barabara inayoingia Uganda iko sawa yetu ndio mbovu,” said Peter Kituyi, driver.

Residents in both counties are now calling on local leaders, county governments and the national government to move with speed and rehabilitate the critical infrastructure.