With chants, burning tires, and symbolic trenches filled with banana plants, the angry riders blocked the road, paralyzing transport and causing a major disruption in the usually busy estate. They said their protests are a cry for dignity and decent infrastructure within the town.

“The road is no longer motorable,” lamented Martin Murithi, one of the bodaboda operators. “We are tired of risking our lives and damaging our bikes daily. We will not relent until something is done” he added .

The riders claim that for years, they have appealed to the county government to rehabilitate the stretch, but their cries have been ignored. They argue that the road’s worsening condition has affected not just transport but also local businesses along the route.

“It’s shocking that such a road can be neglected yet it's within town. Our leaders keep promising action, but all they do is take us in circles.” said Moses Wachira.

Residents said the poor drainage system has made the situation unbearable, with runoff water from rains seeping into shops and homes. Business owners have incurred losses, and some have been forced to close their premises.

The protesters questioned why county leaders appear responsive only during election seasons but disappear when real issues arise. They warned that this protest was just the beginning of more organized resistance if the County Government of Embu fails to act.

By midday, banana stems stood defiantly in the middle of the road, a symbolic show of frustration and mockery at what they termed deliberate neglect. The smell of burning tires and thick smoke filled the air, as residents joined in the calls for action.

The riders say they are not seeking luxury, just a passable road that allows them to earn a living with dignity. Until then, they say, no vehicle will pass and normalcy will not resume.

The eyes now remain to count government for action.

The toilet 

Worried residents have already  branded the public toilet project a death trap. They pointed out that beams and  other materials used  to reinforce the toilet slab are too weak to last long. "This is a public funds rip off. I saw the contractor removing concrete from the construction site at night. If they will not use strong metals in building that toilet, I think it should not be used because it will obviously collapse", a local warned.

Many residents  who went into social media to complain about the project said the project's  bill of quantity had been kept secret and they were not able to ascertain or verify the scope of the intended work on the condemned toilet project.

At the  same time a sand dam constructed across Ndatani river was also flagged as substandard by locals. They  have demanded that the contractors should be arrested for wasting taxpayers' money.

Addressing hundreds of boda boda riders at Kagaari Primary School during the disbursement of KSh 5 million in presidential empowerment funds, a visibly agitated Muchangi called out miraa transporters who speed through the constituency like “untouchable missiles" stating they won't be allowed.

“When you enter Runyenjes, you must apply brakes  both literally and figuratively.We cannot allow our roads to become slaughterhouses because of a few unruly drivers chasing profits.”Karemba stated.

The MP’s fiery remarks follow a heartbreaking tragedy in Kathageri, where two brothers lost their lives and two more were critically injured after a hit-and-run accident involving a speeding, miraa-laden Toyota Hilux. That incident, he said, was the final straw.

“I’ve officially petitioned the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. We want these death machines off our roads unless they follow the rules.No crop, no matter how lucrative, is worth more than human life.” he said.

MP Muchangi is now calling for urgent action from all corners from police and NTSA to the county government  to clamp down on rogue drivers before the situation spirals out of control.

“This is not just a warning. It’s a final call. We must restore order before we bury more innocent lives.” Karemba asserted.

There has been rising cases of accidents related to Miraa transporting vehicle with locals calling for authorities to stamp their authority and bring to end reckless driving along Meru-Embu- Nairobi highway.

Speaking during the event, KALRO Embu Centre Director Bernard Rono noted that many farmers in the region continue to apply fertilizer blindly, without understanding their soil needs a practice that has led to disappointing harvests.

“We want to equip farmers with modern, smart agricultural practices through regular training. Soil testing is the starting point if we want to boost both food security and incomes,” said Rono.

He added that KALRO has rolled out a comprehensive plan to continuously engage and train farmers across the region, helping them shift from traditional methods to more efficient and sustainable farming techniques.

Jackline Mutende, a director in the Embu County Department of Agriculture, echoed Rono’s sentiments. She lamented that the uptake of modern technology in farming has been low among Embu farmers, but expressed optimism that such training programs would turn the tide.

“There's a clear link between technology and productivity. By empowering our farmers with the right knowledge, we can unlock the full potential of agriculture in Embu,” she said.

Farmers who participated in the training welcomed the initiative, describing it as eye-opening.

John Njue said they have been applying fertilizer without really understanding what our their soils  need saying this has affected their production.

Morris Mugambi, another farmer, emphasized the need for such trainings to be held frequently terming it a game changer. "I urge fellow farmers to take them seriously and implement what we learn.”he said.

Meanwhile, Fabian Munene, a youthful farmer, encouraged more young people to venture into agriculture, saying modern farming is both rewarding and fulfilling.

He said with the right knowledge and support, agriculture is not just a job but a profitable business saying farming is not for old people but all.

Over 1,500 farmers participated in the training.

Kingi is the Patron of the County Assemblies Forum. "A good partnership between the Senate and County Assemblies is key to ensuring full realisation of Devolution", said Senate Speaker Kingi 

The leaders resolved to have periodic roundtable meetings to address emerging issues and to get progress reports on bills and county programs.