Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at Kainuk bridge along the border of West Pokot and Turkana Counties after a heavy downpour on Sunday night. The passengers who were travelling from Kitale to Lodwar and vice versa were unable to cross the Kainuk bridge due to raging floods that almost swept away a lorry and completely covered the bridge.
Passengers plying the route were caught up in the snarl up due to the impassable road as they spent cold hours beside the road waiting for the waters to subside.
According to some of the passengers, the water enormity kept on increasing as the heavy rains continue to ponder and they are worried they could’ve been stranded for hours if the rains persisted.
James Kisike, a passenger on board Mwanake bus who was travelling to Kalimongor from Kapenguria said he was caught up in the mess at 3.00 am when they were almost approaching the bridge.
He added that some of the vehicles which are carrying perishable goods like tomatoes, onions and vegetables were also caught up in the snarl up.
He added that some of the passengers had no food to eat and are worried the situation might worsen due to the heavy rains.
“There is no food at Kainuk centre, prices have hiked and those who are most affected are those who are stranded on the West Pokot side,” he said, “We appeal to the Kenya Red Cross society to supply us with foodstuff, water or any available aid.”
Paul Ndungu, one of the lorry drivers, said he will have a loss of Kshs 30,000 citing that the goods he is carrying will be spoilt. They have urged the government to build a permanent bridge, saying that the bridge has been collapsing every rainy season and the concerned authorities haven’t come up with a permanent solution.