Traffic along the busy Meru–Nairobi highway was disrupted for the better part of the week after residents staged protests at Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County, demanding immediate action on the long-delayed bridge reconstruction project.
Demonstrators blocked the highway in both directions, paralysing transport and stranding motorists.
The protesters said construction works had briefly commenced but later stalled without clear communication from authorities, sparking frustration among residents who have waited years for the project to be completed.
The unrest marked the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations in parts of the county, with residents escalating pressure over what they termed prolonged neglect of key infrastructure.
On Thursday, protesters extended the demonstrations to sections of the Embu–Meru highway, disrupting transport along the vital corridor that links Eastern and Central Kenya.
At the Kajiunduthi area between Marima and Mitheru, residents barricaded the Meru–Nairobi highway, rendering it impassable.
Motorists were forced to turn back or seek alternative routes, as demonstrators reportedly blocked feeder roads to prevent vehicles from bypassing the protests.
Angry locals accused leaders of failing to prioritise infrastructure development in the region despite repeated promises.
Some residents alleged that since Deputy President Kithure Kindiki rose to national prominence, tangible development in his political backyard has remained minimal.
Protesters argued that the poor state of roads has hampered business activities, disrupted learning in schools, and made access to health facilities difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
They insisted that the reconstruction of Nithi Bridge and rehabilitation of other key roads be treated as urgent.
Tensions escalated after demonstrators allegedly set ablaze the Muthambi Sub-County offices, prompting sharp condemnation from the county administration.
In a statement, the County Government of Tharaka Nithi County described the burning of the offices and barricading of the Meru–Embu highway as criminal acts allegedly driven by political motives, insisting they were unrelated to road conditions.
The county government maintained that both the devolved unit and the national government have been investing in road infrastructure across the region, including in Maara Constituency.
Authorities warned that individuals involved in the destruction of property and disruption of transport would face the full force of the law.
Despite the warning, residents vowed to sustain pressure until visible progress is made on the stalled projects.
By evening, security presence had been heightened along the affected highways, with authorities appealing for calm as transport gradually resumed in some sections.
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