Vihiga county: Residents of Vihiga County on Tuesday held a peaceful procession to protest the rising cases of road accidents along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.
According to Kenya News Agency, the demonstration, organised by the Vihiga Social Accountability Forum, had been formally communicated to security agencies, including Mbale and Kilingili police stations. Led by Stephen Chahasi Lumwaji, the forum’s team lead, the procession began at Manyatta area, passed through Mbale Central Business District, and proceeded to Lunyerere Bridge, which residents cited as a major accident black spot.
Participants carried placards and petitions highlighting concerns over frequent accidents, particularly along the Muhedwe-Lunyerere Bridge stretch. Chahasi stated that the matter had previously been raised with the Kenya National Highways Authority in 2021 through a petition signed by residents. He noted that KeNHA attributed the accidents to the road design, especially at Muhedwe and Lunyerere bridges.
‘The authority explained that the two bridges are located at a sharp bend, which makes it difficult for motorists to make proper judgement while driving,’ said Chahasi. He added that the road section is narrow and lacks adequate space to accommodate the high traffic volume, with no escape routes for pedestrians in case of danger.
Chahasi further mentioned that although KeNHA had promised to address the issue, citing lack of budget at the time, no action has been taken since 2021. He warned that residents had issued a 14-day notice to the relevant authorities to take action, failing which they would stage further protests. The petition was presented to the Vihiga County Commissioner (CC) Peter Maina.
Speaking at the County Commissioner’s office, Youth Representative Victor Teddy Kidama called for the deployment of traffic police officers along the highway to enforce traffic regulations. He also urged the CC to collaborate with stakeholders in conducting public awareness campaigns on road safety targeting both motorists and pedestrians.
Receiving the petition, Maina acknowledged the concerns raised and termed the frequent accidents along the highway as unfortunate. He commended residents for holding a peaceful procession and requested them to select four representatives to engage with a KeNHA official who was expected at his office later in the day. Maina, however, urged residents to be patient, noting that addressing the matter would require due process, including budgetary allocation, which may take longer than the 14-day notice issued.
‘I assure you that I have received your petition and will forward it to the relevant offices for action,’ said Maina. Residents expressed hope that the protest would prompt authorities to take necessary measures to improve road safety along the highway.
