Kirinyaga residents protest over unfinished road after contractor withdraws equipment

The residents barricaded the road on Thursday faulting the Chinese contractor for withdrawing his construction equipment from the unfinished road.

"We want to know who is behind this because even expectant mothers are being affected by road conditions when accessing health care before giving birth," said Ms.  Jeniffer Muriuki, a resident of the area.

Samuel Muthii said the road had been neglected and has curtailed the area's economic and social growth.

"We want the contractor to first complete Getuya-Baricho road before moving to Gacharu-Kathaka-Kiandai road," Muthii said. 

Another resident Kennedy Kanyeki said they depend on the road which connects them to various trading centres and learning institutions in the areas.

When contacted, Ndia Member of Parliament (MP) George Kariuki who chairs the National Assembly's Roads and Infrastructure Committee said the contractor has not been withdrawn but was just moved to complete construction on the other side of the road.

He instead accused area politicians of mobilizing few people to gain political mileage instead of raising the matter with the relevant authorities.

"People should work together and ask what is happening on the ground instead of using few people," MP Kariuki said.

The residents now want the government to intervene and ensure that the road's construction is complete.