Fear and frustration have gripped residents of Mwingi Central after authorities ordered the immediate closure of the Enziu River Bridge following heavy overnight rains.
According to a police signal from Nguni Police Station, the bridge connecting Nguni to Nuu has been rendered impassable, with the river swelling dangerously and posing a fatal risk to users.
“Please be informed that today, 26/03/2025, following the ongoing heavy rainfall, the Enziu River is flooded, and the crossing at the bridge connecting Nguni – Nuu has been suspended for both pedestrians and motorists until normal operations resume,” the statement read.
The closure has reawakened fresh memories of the horrific December 2021 tragedy where a bus ferrying a church choir was swept away by the raging waters, claiming 32 lives. Since then, the Enziu River Bridge has remained a symbol of unfulfilled government promises and broken dreams for the residents.
Channel 15 News previously reported on the slow progress of the bridge’s construction, attributing the delays to a lack of political goodwill and shifting government priorities. Despite the National Government allocating Ksh 30 million for the project in 2022, the work has stalled several times, with contractors downing their tools over non-payment and unclear timelines.
“Our past investigations revealed that leaders, both national and local, have played politics with this project, using it as a campaign tool every election season only to abandon it afterward,” reads part of Channel 15’s earlier coverage. “The people of Nguni, Nuu, and neighboring villages continue to suffer — their safety sacrificed at the altar of political convenience.”
Today, the closure of the bridge once again exposes the human cost of these political games. The Nguni-Nuu route is a lifeline for farmers, traders, and school children, now forced to choose between dangerous detours or staying home.
“We’re tired of hearing the same promises. How many times must we relive this nightmare? Closing the bridge helps today, but what happens tomorrow?” asked a local elder, visibly emotional.
With the long rains just beginning, locals now demand immediate answers and action from both the county and national governments. How long will the people of Kitui continue to stare at death every rainy season?
