Residents of Githungururu Village in Embu West Sub-county have called for speedy repair of vandalised guardrails on Riamaciri Bridge on the Kangoru River after it claimed the life of a motorcycle rider early this week.
The 67-year-old James Muriithi, who was a woodcutter, lost his life on Wednesday night after he veered off the damaged bridge while heading home and plunged into the river.
Area Assistant Chief Lydia Mugo, while confirming the incident, attributed it to the poor state of the bridge, saying the death could have been averted if guardrails were in place.
Mugo warned vandals that their days were numbered, and anyone found ripping off such public infrastructure will be prosecuted.
“We call on residents to share information on those bent on destroying our infrastructure so that action is taken against them,” she said.
Irate residents decried neglect by authorities in repairing the guardrails that had remained in that state for close to two years.
Resident John Mbuva said the bridge had put many lives at risk, including motorists and school-going children who have to cross the bridge to and from school every day.
He called on the county government to move with speed to repair the bridge to prevent further accidents.
We ask the government to consider erecting concrete walls instead of metallic guardrails that are in high demand from metal scavengers, added Mbuva.
By Samuel Waititu
