Blocked Wote - Makindu Road. Photo by Ryan Mumo 
Ryan Mumo
Transport along the Makindu–Wote road was on Friday morning paralyzed after angry residents blocked the road at Neema area, protesting a series of fatal accidents that have claimed several lives in recent weeks.
The demonstrations followed a tragic early morning accident in which two people riding on a motorbike were hit from behind by a speeding lorry. One person died on the spot while the other was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
According to Muvau–Kikumini Ward MCA Kawembe Mutinda, the residents’ anger is justified, given the recurring tragedies along the busy stretch.
“We are here between Wote and Kwa Kathoka, at a place called Neema, where two people were hit this morning. One has died instantly. Just last week, another woman was killed in a similar accident, and two years ago, we also lost another person here. Residents have every reason to be angry,” said Mutinda.
He said villagers are demanding the immediate installation of bumps to slow down motorists and prevent further loss of lives.
“People are tired. They want the Kenya Roads Board to come and act. We are here waiting for a response,” the MCA added.
An eyewitness who joined the protest accused road authorities of neglecting repeated public pleas for safety interventions.
“We saw the same protests in Kathonzweni just the other day. KeNHA officials are pretending to be deaf and blind to our cries. We are tired of burying our people every week. We want the bumps installed today before we go home,” said one resident.
Another witness faulted the police for poor emergency response, claiming that officers lack proper rescue vehicles.
“Every time there’s an accident, police arrive in personal cars like Probox. That is carelessness. We want the governor to come and address us here. We will not leave until bumps are installed and emergency response is improved,” the resident said.
The blockade caused a major traffic snarl-up, affecting the transportation of national examination materials to schools within the area. A contingent of police officers was later deployed to the scene to disperse protestors and allow exam vehicles to pass.
By the time of going to press, the road remained partially closed as residents insisted they would not reopen it until the government provides a permanent solution to what they termed a “death trap.”
