DP Gachagua: Nithi Bridge overhaul plans nearly complete

His statement came hours after a tragic accident at the blackspot killed 12 people.

Speaking at Mikumbune MCK Church in Meru, Gachagua revealed that the designs for the new bridge are almost complete. 

He shared that he had personally spoken with Principal Secretary for Roads, Joseph Mbugua, who assured him that the design work is nearly finalized.

"Regarding the Nithi bridge, it is true—we promised this. When I stepped outside, I called PS Engineer Mbugua, and he informed me that the designs are almost done," Gachagua told the congregation. 

"I have urged him to expedite the process so that we can fulfill our promise to the people of Meru."

During the 2022 campaign, President Ruto had pledged to overhaul the bridge, where over 2,000 people have lost their lives in road accidents. 

At that time, Ruto, then serving as Deputy President, committed to initiating the project within six months of taking office.

The latest accident, which left 12 dead and several others injured, once again highlighted the government's unmet promises and the ongoing toll on citizens. 

Tharaka Nithi Police Commander Zacheous Ng'eno confirmed that the accident involved a matatu and a pickup truck, with one vehicle heading towards Nairobi and the other towards Meru. 

So far, 12 bodies—10 adults and 2 children—have been recovered from the scene. 

Two survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.

This incident occurred less than a year after then-Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, now overseeing the Sports and Youth Affairs docket, announced plans to straighten the road to eliminate the hazardous blindspot that has claimed numerous lives.

"We could redesign that road to make it straight from the bridge as you head towards Meru. The ministry has a plan to monitor our highways using digital cameras," Murkomen said in 2023.