Residents of Kombewa in Seme Constituency, Kisumu County, took to the streets on December 2 to protest deteriorating road conditions and a collapsed bridge that has left the area nearly inaccessible. They accused their Member of Parliament, Dr. Nyikal, of neglecting the region’s infrastructure and failing to address their concerns for three years.
The bridge connecting Kombewa Center and Bodi Center was swept away by heavy rains, leaving farmers, businesses, and residents stranded. Demonstrators claimed that despite repeated complaints, the MP’s visits to the site yielded only photo opportunities without tangible action.
Farmers Devastated by Losses
Victor Otieno Mbogo, a farmer near the collapsed bridge, expressed despair over the loss of his sugarcane plantation, which was washed away by flooding caused by the destroyed infrastructure.
“This plantation has been my lifeline. Now it’s gone, and I don’t know how I’ll pay my children’s school fees. Meanwhile, our MP rides in luxury vehicles, ignoring the plight of his voters,” Mbogo lamented.
Business Community in Peril
Local traders voiced concerns about the risks of transporting goods through the hazardous road.
“Our businesses are suffering. We fear for our lives and our goods, yet the leaders we elected prioritize their interests over ours,” said businessman Caleb Otieno, calling the road’s condition a long-standing issue ignored by authorities.
Public Hearing Planned
Frustrated residents have organized a public hearing on December 9, inviting local leaders to discuss a permanent solution. They emphasized the need for urgent intervention to restore the bridge and repair the road.
“We’ve endured years of empty promises. This time, we demand a lasting solution,” said a community leader during the protest.
The community urged Dr. Nyikal to take immediate action to address the infrastructure crisis, which has left livelihoods in jeopardy and raised safety concerns for all road users.
