EMBU – A tragic incident on the Riamaciri Bridge in Githungururu Village, Embu West Sub-county, which resulted in the death of a motorcycle rider, has intensified local demands for urgent repairs to the vandalized guardrails.

According to Kenya News Agency, the accident occurred on Wednesday night when 67-year-old James Muriithi, a woodcutter, veered off the damaged bridge and plunged into the Kangoru River. Mugo confirmed that the absence of guardrails, which had been vandalized and left unrepaired, directly contributed to the fatal accident. She emphasized the need for immediate restoration to prevent further tragedies and warned of strict legal actions against those responsible for vandalizing public infrastructure.

The local community, deeply frustrated by the prolonged neglect of the bridge’s maintenance, expressed their concerns about the safety risks posed to daily commuters, including school-going children and motorists. John Mbuva, a resident, highlighted the community’s fear and called for the county government to swiftly address the repair works. He also suggested replacing the metallic guardrails with concrete walls to deter theft by metal scavengers, a recurring issue that has jeopardized safety on the bridge.

This incident has spotlighted the critical need for regular maintenance and security enhancements on public infrastructures to ensure the safety of all users.