How Many More Must Die Before the Government Fixes Enziu Bridge?

How Many More Lives Must Be Lost Before Enziu Bridge is Completed?

The residents of Mwingi and the larger Kitui County are once again asking a painful and urgent question: How many more lives must be lost before the government completes the Enziu Bridge?

For years, the Enziu River has been a death trap, claiming the lives of innocent Kenyans who attempt to cross its treacherous waters. The most tragic incident occurred in December 2021, when over 30 people, including children, perished after a bus was swept away while trying to cross the swollen river. Despite national outcry and government promises, the bridge remains incomplete, forcing residents to continue risking their lives.

A Disaster Waiting to Happen Again

Every rainy season, the river swells, cutting off critical transport routes and endangering the lives of schoolchildren, traders, farmers, and public service vehicle passengers. Those who cannot wait for the waters to subside resort to crossing using makeshift means often with tragic consequences.

“We are tired of mourning our loved ones,” says Peter Mutemi, a boda boda operator who has witnessed several accidents at the river. “Every year, we beg the national government to complete this bridge, but all we get are empty promises. How many more must die before they act?”

Government Inaction: A Failure of Leadership

Tragic accident at river Enziu bridge in 2021 over 30 people died

In the wake of past tragedies, both the national and county governments pledged to fast-track the construction of a permanent bridge. However, years later, only partial works have been done, leaving the project stalled.

The Call for Action

The people of Mwingi are demanding answers:

How much longer will they have to wait for a safe crossing?

How many more lives must be sacrificed before the government takes decisive action?

What happened to the funds allocated for this critical infrastructure?

It is time for the national government to stop making excuses and deliver on their promise. The people of Kitui deserve a safe and permanent bridge. If action is not taken urgently, another rainy season will bring yet another heartbreaking headline.

Will the leaders act now, or will they wait for another tragedy? The clock is ticking, and the people of Mwingi are watching