Boda boda operators at the Mabanga Stage in Bungoma County have dug a trench across the road connecting Mabanga to Nalondo, Mukhweya, and Musese in protest of its poor condition, hoping to compel local leaders into action.
The riders also planted bananas in the trench, lit bonfires, blocked the road with tree branches, and placed a placard reading “Tunataka Majimbo MP Aunde Barabara” to call out their area MP, Majimbo Kalasinga, for ignoring their plight despite promising to tarmac the road.
Kalasinga made these promises during his by-election campaign in March 2021 and again during the 2022 general election.
“The poor state of the road is causing our motorbikes to wear out quickly, even before we finish paying off the loans we took out to buy them. Some of us have had to pay hefty fines for injuring passengers in accidents caused by potholes,” said Isaac Wangila Wamalwa.
Mr. Wangila explained that their actions were prompted by an incident where a mother gave birth on the roadside after failing to reach the hospital in time due to the road’s poor condition.
“We’re calling on all local leaders: the MP, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, and Kabuchai/Chwele MCA James Mukhongo. We want them to work together to ensure this road is repaired,” he added.
The road becomes nearly impassable when it rains, forcing riders and travelers to use a longer, more expensive route or stay at home.
“We’re tired of this situation. I make only 200 to 300 shillings a day, but when I cause an accident due to the poor road conditions and injure a passenger, I have to pay not less than 10,000 shillings for hospital charges and fines. Is that profit or loss?” Remarked Paul Wamalwa.
Cyrus Juma Barasa, another rider, criticized local leaders for avoiding responsibility and leaving residents unsure of whom to turn to for help.
“I want to remind MP Majimbo that we worked hard and even got rained on for him to be elected, but in 2027, we’re going to send him home. This is the road used to access Mabanga ATC when votes were being counted in the 2022 general election,” he said.
The riders have vowed not to allow the governor to hold his usual meetings at the nearby Mabanga Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) until their demands are met.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
