Nithi Bridge Contractor Still Working On Designs, Gachagua Says After Another Tragic Accident

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed Kenya Kwanza's commitment to improving Nithi Bridge amid increasing fatalities in the area
• Gachagua said he has directed the contractor to expedite the project so that lives of Kenyans using the route can be saved
• He made the statement following the demise of 12 people following a collision between a van and a pick-up car

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Tharaka Nithi - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured Kenyans that the redesign of the notorious Nithi Bridge is nearing completion.

He confirmed that the Kenya Kwanza administration had committed to improving the road, which has been the site of numerous fatal accidents.

Gachagua takes action on Nithi Bridge redesigning

Gachagua made this announcement in Meru on Sunday, September 1, where he mentioned that he had instructed the contractor to expedite the project.

“It is true we promised to work on Nithi Bridge. I called the PS when I walked outside to get an update on the pledge we made. He has told me the designs are almost complete, and I have asked him to speed up the process,” said the deputy president.

This update comes in the wake of a tragic accident on Saturday, August 31, involving a van and a pickup truck that resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Witnesses provided details of the crash, and photos shared online underscored its severity.

Gachagua noted that he would personally oversee the project's progress after receiving numerous concerns from Meru residents.

“We had an accident last night, 12 people died and others were injured. Emotions in Meru are very high, people are asking questions, and they want answers,” Gachagua added.

Who died in the Nithi Bridge accident?

Meanwhile, TUKO.co.ke reported that the accident involved nine women, two children, and a driver who were returning from a parental blessing event in Meru.

According to a member of the group who was travelling in a different vehicle, 20 people attended the event, and some are still struggling to cope with the loss.

The driver of the second van, Jared Bikundo, described the horrific scene, explaining that the ill-fated van lost control after speeding over rumble strips, veering into the opposite lane, and colliding with an oncoming vehicle.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke