Kindiki orders faster construction of Sh7.5bn Nithi Bridge

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

Construction of the Sh7.5 billion Nithi Bridge has started, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directing the contractor to accelerate works while maintaining quality and safety standards.

The 880-metre bridge, which will rise 100 metres above the Nithi River, will link Marima and Mitheru through 2.7 kilometres of approach roads on the Embu-Meru highway.

Speaking at the site yesterday, Prof Kindiki said residents of Meru and Tharaka-Nithi counties had spent decades appealing to successive governments to replace the existing bridge.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives in accidents at the crossing, with buses, lorries and private vehicles plunging into the river.

“From 1985, we have been pleading with the government to design and build a new bridge. For 17 years, during President Moi’s administration, the government did not have the money to construct a new Nithi Bridge,” he said.

He recalled that residents had expected the bridge to be built under President Mwai Kibaki, whom they had overwhelmingly supported in the 2002 General Election.

“We thought that now that our own man was in power, the Nithi Bridge would be built. For the 10 years of the Kibaki presidency, we pleaded, cried and petitioned for a new, modern bridge, but the government did not have enough funds to build it,” he said.

He added that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration also ended without constructing the bridge, despite their personal association.

Prof Kindiki said the design be ing implemented was settled on after an initial proposal costing between Sh1.7 billion and Sh1.8 billion was found inadequate to address the safety challenges.

“We have suffered enough misfortune here, and we do not want any more problems,” he said.

At the same time, the DP condemned rising cases of political violence in Meru County and across the country, calling on the police to take decisive action. He said the police must deal ruthlessly with financiers and goons, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Prof Kindiki cited the recent attack on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza during Mashujaa Day celebrations.

“While Ms Mwangaza does not support the government, no one should be attacked or denied their right to hold meetings. She should be allowed to hold her meetings without interruption,” Prof Kindiki said.

“I have talked to the regional commissioner and instructed that those who attacked Kawira Mwangaza be arrested. It doesn’t matter whether the suspects are pro-government or not,” he added.

Ms Mwangaza has accused pro-government politicians of being behind the attack that left two police officers injured and three vehicles damaged.

Prof Kindiki expressed concern that Meru County was emerging as a hotspot for political violence and goonism following other recent attacks, including one on former Governor Peter Munya in Mikinduri.

“Even those in the opposition are our brothers and sisters and should not be attacked. Any politician funding or supporting violence and destruction of property must be arrested whether in government or in the opposition,” he said.

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