Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has slammed President William Ruto for promising to construct the Nithi Bridge for the sixth time.
According to reports, the Head of State, who was speaking during the 2022 campaigns, said the bridge was going to be constructed once he was elected as President.
He made the promise five more times, with the most recent one being made in April 2026.
His promises caught the attention of several leaders from Ukambani, who accused him of lying to the residents ahead of the upcoming general elections in Kenya.
They affirmed that they are not going to back his government until the many promises made by the President are kept.
Former CS Linturi, who took to Facebook to react, said that leaders must be held accountable.
He affirmed that there are no signs that the bridge is being built.
The Nithi Bridge, along the Meru–Nairobi highway in Tharaka Nithi County, is a notorious blackspot with a history of deadly accidents.
Its steep gradient, sharp curve, and deep valley have claimed dozens of lives over the years.
In one of the worst tragedies, a bus plunged into the river below in July 2022, killing over 30 people.
Poor visibility, speeding, and brake failure are often cited as causes. Despite safety barriers and warning signs, crashes continue to occur.
Calls for redesigning the bridge or constructing an alternative route persist, as locals and motorists demand urgent government intervention to end the recurring loss of life at Nithi.