Residents of Syokimau/Mlolongo Ward staged a unique protest on Thursday, compelling their Member of County Assembly (MCA), Daniel Mutinda, to wade through muddy roads to witness firsthand the dire state of infrastructure in the area.
The move came just a day after a Citizen TV report highlighted the deplorable state of roads in the ward. Many of these roads, constructed less than nine months ago, have already deteriorated into massive gullies, making them nearly impassable for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Protest Highlights
In videos widely circulated on social media, residents—led by boda boda operators—surrounded MCA Mutinda and demanded he walk the muddy paths to understand their daily struggles. Clad in a suit and formal shoes, Mutinda was seen reluctantly navigating the slippery terrain.
As he hesitated at particularly treacherous sections, residents sarcastically encouraged him, shouting, “MCA tembea, barabara zetu ni mzuri” (“MCA, walk on—our roads are fine”). Despite his resistance, the crowd remained peaceful, with one voice reassuring, “Hakuna mwenye anampiga, tutembee tu” (“No one is attacking him; let’s just walk”).
Roads in Crisis
Among the most affected is Chaddy Road, an 800-meter stretch constructed under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority in late 2023. According to the Citizen TV report, the road is now riddled with deep gullies and has become a nightmare for motorists, boda boda riders, and pedestrians.
The situation is equally grim along Chaddy Section Two and Mwananchi roads, where contractors allegedly abandoned the projects without installing proper drainage systems or walkways. As a result, the barely three-month-old roads have begun to crumble under heavy rains.
Ironically, a road leading to essential facilities such as a hospital, a police station, and a chief’s office has also been left incomplete for over 20 years.
Impact on Daily Life
Public transport operators plying the routes reported significant losses as vehicles frequently break down due to the poor road conditions. Boda boda riders and pedestrians shared similar frustrations, citing the dangers posed by the muddy, uneven paths.
Residents Demand Accountability
The protest is a call for immediate action to address the infrastructural challenges in Syokimau/Mlolongo Ward. Residents have demanded better oversight of road construction projects and accountability from contractors and local leaders.
The MCA’s reluctant tour of the muddy roads has amplified public outrage, with many hoping it will lead to meaningful action to improve the state of roads in the area.
