Esther Akoth Appeals to Ruto Over Collapsed Migori Bridge, Citing Residents’ Suffering and Fear

Ambassador Esther Akoth Koke has appealed to President William Ruto to urgently intervene in the restoration of the collapsed Migori Bridge, citing prolonged suffering among residents and growing safety concerns along diversion routes.

In an emotional public appeal addressed to the Head of State, Akoth said residents of Migori County had endured nearly a year of hardship following the collapse of the bridge, which has disrupted movement, businesses and access to essential services.

She explained that schoolchildren, traders, travellers and patients have been particularly affected, with many forced to use alternative routes that have increased travel time and made daily activities difficult.

Akoth revealed that she woke up at 4am to travel with her ailing father to Nairobi for medical attention, hoping to avoid the heavy traffic associated with the diversion.

The experience, she said, made her reflect on thousands of residents who face similar challenges daily, including those who cannot afford alternative means of transport.

She also raised concerns about security, claiming that pedestrians were reportedly being mugged along some of the diversion routes, leaving families worried about their safety.

With another school term approaching, Akoth expressed concern about children who must continue navigating the difficult routes to access education.

She urged President Ruto to direct the relevant government agencies to establish the progress made by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and fast-track the restoration of the bridge.

While acknowledging the government’s development projects in the region, including the Uriri-Thim Lich road, Akoth maintained that the situation surrounding the Migori Bridge required immediate attention.

She argued that restoring the bridge would not only improve transport but also reconnect communities to schools, hospitals, markets and economic opportunities.

Her appeal comes amid continued frustration among residents who are hoping for a lasting solution to the disruption caused by the collapsed infrastructure.

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