Two governors stranded after matatu operators block road to protest pooor roads

Two governors were yesterday stranded for hours after irate matatu operators blocked a section of Iten-Eldoret highway protesting  poor roads.

Governors Salim Mvurya (Kwale) and Jackson Mandago's (Uasin Gishu) pleas to the protestors to open the busy highway for them to continue with their journey fell on deaf ears, forcing them to call Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos to assist.

Mr Mvurya, who is vying for the influential Council of Governors chairmanship and Mandago were on their way to Iten to meet Tolgos.

Governor Tolgos's attempts to convince the charged crowd to open the road were, however, met with jeers, with the protestors accusing him of neglecting the roads in the region.

It took the combined efforts of the three leaders and a host of ward reps to calm the protesters down, with the governors saying they had been on the receiving end over dilapidated roads yet not all roads are managed by county governments.

"I will follow up the issue with Kenya Rural Roads Authority so that immediate action can be taken. I am aware of the losses you have incurred and as your governor I will ensure the road is repaired," Tolgos told the demonstrators. Mvurya called for the devolution of all roads.