Karua questions development promises over Nithi Bridge funding
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 9, 2026People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Party Leader Martha Karua has stepped up her criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, questioning delays in the Ksh7 billion Nithi Bridge project during her tour of Tharaka Nithi County.
Speaking in Chiakariga on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Karua said the project had become a symbol of failed promises and poor planning. She told residents that repeated government announcements had not translated into real construction progress on the ground.
“Wenye nchi do not eat launch ceremonies. They deserve roads that are safe, hospitals that heal,” she said. “Year after year, promises are made and billions announced yet roads remain half-done, hospitals underfunded, and farmers unsupported.”
Karua questioned the handling of the Nithi Bridge project, which the government has linked to funding gaps and land compensation issues. According to the statement, Ksh200 million is required for land compensation. She said public funds should lead to delivery, not delays.
“If this government cannot finish the basics, how can the people trust them with the 7B Nithi Bridge?” she asked. “Leadership is not convoys and groundbreakings; it is delivering results.”
She accused the government of focusing on public events while key infrastructure projects stall. She said poor roads continue to slow emergency response, trade, and access to services in rural areas.
Karua also linked the infrastructure problems to wider governance failures in health. She said citizens continue to pay through deductions while hospitals lack basic supplies.
She repeated her campaign message: “Ondoa wakulaji, weka wafanyikazi,” saying Kenya needs leaders who deliver services, not ceremonies.
SHA healthcare system criticism
Turning to healthcare, Karua criticised the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying public hospitals are still under-resourced despite regular deductions.
“Level 5 hospitals are only so by name! No resources and supplies yet SHA deductions, which are meant to fund them, are always on time every month. Ni haki kweli?” she said.
She added that patients face unnecessary suffering due to weak systems.
“A mother in labour should not have to pray the road is passable before she reaches help and a family should not have to choose between buying medicine and eating,” she said.
Karua called for a system where hospitals are fully equipped.
“Every Kenyan who walks into a public hospital should find medicine on the shelves, emergency care that responds, and staff that is paid and well equipped to help. SHA should work for the patient. That is what a Karua government will deliver,” she said.
Economic survey sparks criticism
She also cited the Economic Survey 2026 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, saying SHA is spending more than it collects. She compared it to the former National Hospital Insurance Fund, which she said had stronger financial discipline.
She said her 2027 presidential bid aims to fix governance systems within one term and strengthen accountability in public spending. She added that she is open to working with other opposition leaders.
“The country is built by the sweat of wenye nchi, and they deserve to enjoy its benefits, not see them stolen by the corrupt,” she said.
She continues her tour to Embu County, where she is expected to meet residents in Manyatta, Kanyuambora, and Embu Town as she expands her national consultations ahead of 2027.