Kirinyaga residents block roads in protest over dangerous quarries

Led by Susan Wakuthii, Irungu Kubutha, Benson Munene and Richard Kongo, the residents are calling on the county government to urgently fence or cover the quarries, which they describe as “death traps”.

The situation is particularly dire near Mugaa Primary School, where pupils and residents are forced to fetch water from an open quarry due to a lack of alternative sources. Wakuthii said the situation has left parents living in constant fear.

“It’s a constant worry knowing that our children are risking their lives every time they fetch water from that quarry,” she said.

Residents fear it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes and are urging authorities to act swiftly.

Boda boda riders have also been affected, with several incidents reported of riders falling into the pits, often with serious consequences. Munene recounted a harrowing incident in which he fell into a quarry while carrying a pregnant passenger.

“It was a miracle we survived, but what about the next person?” he posed.

The community is also rallying behind Mugaa Primary School, which they describe as a vital institution.

“This school has given our children a chance at a better life, and we must protect it,” said Mwangi Kubutha.

Kubutha added that residents are counting on the government to take responsibility for their safety.

“We’re not asking for much, just a safe environment for our children to grow and thrive. Is that too much to ask?” he said.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when residents blocked lorries transporting murram from the village, accusing the county government of neglecting local roads.

They claim the county has been extracting murram from Mugaa village to supply other areas, including Wamumu Ward, without maintaining the roads.

“It’s unacceptable that they are taking our murram and leaving us with poor roads,” Kubutha said.

Residents say the deteriorating roads have made it difficult to access basic services and have compounded safety risks, especially with the presence of uncovered quarries near homes and schools.

“We have children who attend school near these quarries. It’s a ticking time bomb,” said Bernard Muriithi.

The protesters lit bonfires, chased away trucks carrying murram and blocked the Kandongu–Mutithi road leading to Mugaa village.

“We will not allow the lorries to transport murram until our roads are properly maintained,” said Kongo.

The standoff left more than 20 lorries stranded in the village, with drivers unable to leave.

In response, the county government has begun murramming sections of the damaged roads, but residents insist the efforts are insufficient.

“Until all potholes are fixed, we will not allow any vehicle to leave Mugaa village,” said Muriithi.

The standoff underscores longstanding concerns over resource distribution and infrastructure development in rural areas, as residents vow to continue pushing for safer conditions and better services.