By James Munyeki
Laikipia, Kenya: When the Government awarded a multimillion tender for the construction of the much-awaited Nyahururu-Mararal road, it was met with joy and jubilation by residents.
Little did they know the move would open fresh wounds among residents opposed to the road construction.
A section of residents have been involved in a tug of war over where the road should pass.
Some argue that prominent personnel in Mararal town have expressed fears over their business status, as they are likely to lose since they take advantage of the poor status of the road to exploit residents.
Some leaders have proposed that the road passes through Sipili and Ol Moran and not through Rumuruti town as planned.
This has led to the delay in the construction despite the contractor having set base in Rumuruti town.
Political leaders have differed openly and vowed to face each other head on so that the road takes their preferred route.
Laikipia North MP Mathew Lekidime has opposed any move to have the road diverted to Sipili.
“We will go even to the highest office so that the initial plan is followed. We feel some politicians want the road diverted,” he said.
Lekidime says if the road is diverted to Sipili and Ol Moran, his constituents would not benefit.
“There is nothing more to discuss as the Government has stated clearly where the road will pass. Why is it now that there are plans to have it diverted?” he posed.
Lekidime claimed the whole thing was a political issue, as some leaders wanted to leave out the pastoral communities in his constituency.
“We are being marginalised and we will not sit and watch the road construction which was meant to benefit us diverted to other areas,” he said.
Laikipia East MP Wachira Karani and Laikipia Senator GG Kariuki however, differ with his sentiments saying the road has been diverted to favour majority of the residents.
They argue that if it goes from Rumuruti to Mararal, few residents would benefit, as there are only ranchers in the area.
