Acts Of Terrorism? Suspected Scrap Metal Dealers Damage Thwake Bridge

MACHAKOS, Kenya, Feb, 4 – “When we find them, we will treat them as terrorists…. ruthlessly,we will not be forgiving,” affirmed a tough talking Kathiani deputy county commissioner Mary Muthoni after it was established that suspected scrap metal dealers have been damaging the critical Thwake bridge.

Security agencies said that the bridge which connects Kathiani and Kangundo sub-county was missing several of its bolts and collector plates threatening its stability and as such the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike.

The act of economic sabotage tantamount to domestic terrorism was first spotted by residents who reported the mater to area police.

It is suspected that the perpetrators have been stealing the crucial parts over several days though officials from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) have so far replaced the stolen parts consisting of bolts and collector plates.

“This is a bailey bridge, it is temporary ,to help us when the main bridge was circumvented by water…it can however be used forever when protected. We are however worried when we see the people we are serving are reversing the gains e have made,” said Engineer Steve Mwanzi, Public Works Officer.

“Those committing this offence must be arrested and prosecuted we can not allow people to destroy it knowing well how we have suffered in this area,” said Robert Mbui, MP Kathiani.

Recently president Uhuru Kenyatta announced a moratorium on scrap metal trade in the country as part of Government efforts to end the rising cases of vandalism of key public installations.

The President said the moratorium will stay in place until after the Government puts in place adequate measures to effectively police the sourcing, trade and export of scrap metal warning that those found culpable for vandalism of state infrastructure will be dealt with firmly.

While referring to recent vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure, the Standard Gauge Railway and communication masts, President Kenyatta termed the acts as economic sabotage saying the Government won’t tolerate the destruction.

Kathiani deputy county commissioner Mary Muthoni said that security officers will not hesitate to apprehend the saboteurs who she likened to terrorists.

“It seems like this thing has been happening continuously on a daily, the person has been removing bolts and their goal might have been to remove the metal and sell as scrap metal. They are also doing this to Kenya power infrastructure. If they do this and a car is passing and the bridge collapses people will die. That is like terrorism, what is the difference between such a person and a terrorist? There is no difference,” she asserted.

“We are frustrated when we see people destroying this bridge yet it serves members of our community  and county. Our businesses will also be affected if it is damaged,”said Jonah Kimani.

In January the country was plunged into nationwide darkness when four pylons tumbled down in Embakasi after vandals reportedly tampered with critical parts of the installations. A scheme to vandalise more pylons in Naivasha that could have resulted in weeks of blackout was thwarted by security intelligence.