Residents use stones to barricade Nairobi - Mombasa Road during their demonstrations after a fire razed down houses, commercial premises at Mlolongo town, Machakos County on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. (Photo/Maugo Owiti)
Machakos County government should ensure vehicles used for emergencies response are in workable conditions, says Athi River deputy county commissioner Geoffrey Omoding.
Omoding said this will improve the relationship between the government officials and residents thereby preventing unnecessary protests especially when accidences or incidences occur in the county.
He addressed the press at his office in Athi River on Thursday.
Omoding condemned the Wednesday incident where locals barricaded Nairobi –Mombasa Road after fire razed down business premises and residential houses in Mlolongo town.
He said the road had nothing to do with the fire incident and Machakos Government.
“The residents were protesting lack of functional fire engine in Mavoko to timely put out the fire. Although their complaints are genuine, they are directing it to the wrong place,” said Omoding.
Omoding said the locals should raise their complaints with leadership of the Machakos Government instead of blocking the highway.
“We cannot entertain this, this is a national highway and not Machakos County property,” said Omoding.
The administrator said police were hunting down those who incited the residents to block the road during the demonstrations.
Omoding said hooligans take advantage of such incidences to loot and smuggle motorists on the highway.
He cautioned the residents against conducting protests on Mombasa Road.
Omoding said those demonstrating on Mombasa Road will be treated as economic saboteurs.
“Residents should desist from demonstrating on Mombasa Road to avoid wastage of time as a result of traffic jam, there are sick people using the road who can lose lives during the process,” added he.