Residents of Nuu in Mwingi Central constituency, Kitui county, have urged the government to fast-track construction of the long-awaited Enziu bridge, where numerous lives have been lost over the years.
Despite repeated assurances that a modern bridge would be completed swiftly, they say the situation remains dire, with people continuing to lose their lives while attempting to cross the flooded river at the notorious Enziu drift.
Their concerns are compounded by unfulfilled pledges, including a commitment by President William Ruto during last year’s Madaraka Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui that the bridge would be completed by February this year—a promise that has yet to materialise.
The Enziu drift has gained notoriety as a deadly crossing point, particularly during the rainy season.
The most tragic incident occurred in December 2021, when 33 members of a Mwingi Catholic Church drowned while attempting to cross the swollen river to attend a wedding in Nuu.
Following the tragedy involving the St Joseph’s Seminary bus, which was swept away by raging waters, the government pledged to construct a bridge.
However, nearly five years later, residents say progress remains painfully slow.
“We are clearly staring at another tragedy whenever it rains heavily and the river floods. It is time the government takes the Enziu Bridge seriously, or we will continue losing our people,” resident David Kilai said.
Kilai, who also chairs the Mwingi Central NG-CDF Board, lamented that at least five people from the area lose their lives every rainy season while trying to cross the river.
Speaking at Nuu Market last week, he questioned why successive government promises to address the crisis have not been honoured.
“Once the river floods, no one can safely cross. Our area becomes completely cut off from the rest of the region. Those who attempt to cross risk paying the ultimate price,” Kilai said.
He said during the rainy season, patients in need of urgent medical care are unable to access facilities in Mwingi town, while expectant mothers face similar life-threatening challenges.
Resident Maluki Muungami said the flooding has also taken a toll on the local economy, as traders are unable to access Nuu, leaving families without essential supplies.
“It is imperative for the government to act swiftly and ensure the bridge is completed before more lives are lost. It feels like we have been abandoned,” Muungami lamented.
However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who visited the area last Wednesday during the launch of Nuu subcounty, reassured residents that the Enziu bridge remains a top priority in the government’s development agenda.
He acknowledged that the project had previously faced budgetary constraints but said funds are now available following financial restructuring, and that the contractor has no excuse for further delays.
“I direct the county commissioner to inspect the site next week and assess the progress. If the contractor is not working at the expected pace, we will take action, including reporting to the President for possible replacement,” Murkomen said.
Residents now hope that renewed government commitment will finally bring an end to the recurring tragedies at the Enziu River.
