Ruto gives update on completion of killer Enziu Bridge in Kitui
President William Ruto has announced an update on the completion of the deadly Enziu bridge in Kitui County which has stalled after construction had picked up in 2021.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day Celebration in Kitui County on Monday October 20,2025, Ruto announced his orders to the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis ChirChir in ensuring the bridge is completed.
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According to Ruto the deadly Enziu bridge will be completed as of February 2026.
“Pale Enziu bridge iyo daraja imekua daraja ya maafa, mimi nataka niwaeleze sasa nimempatia waziri Chirchir maagizo kabla ya februari mvua iaanze mwaka ujao iyo daraja iwe imekamilika,” Ruto said.
Enziu bridge tragedy
Worth noting, the construction of the killer Bridge began in December 2021, soon after it claimed at least 32 lives, but it stalled.
On December 4, 2021, a 51-seater school bus carrying members of a Catholic church choir, wedding guests, and other passengers attempted to cross the Enziu River on the Nguni–Nuu route in Kitui County, following overnight rains. The concrete drift was submerged and broken in some places.
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As the bus entered the swollen river, strong currents swept it off the drift and plunged it into the waters, submerging almost entirely within minutes.
Rescue teams, including Kenya Navy divers and Red Cross personnel, managed to save 12 passengers (4 of them children), while the death toll rose to around 32, with some reports indicating up to 33 fatalities.
Kindiki explains why the project stalled
Speaking in Mwingi, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the project stalled due to financial disputes with the contractor, but through his intervention, the matter has since been resolved.
He went on to say that the money that was at the centre of contention has been paid, and the contractor resumed work in May.
At the time, Kindiki assured residents that he will personally ensure the bridge does not stall again and that the remaining amount is paid as work on the bridge continues.
According to government reports, the Enziu Bridge is being constructed at a cost of Ksh165 million.
“Enziu Bridge has taken the lives of many people. It started and stalled because the contractor was demanding Sh91 million from the government. I want to announce that the bill was paid, and the contractor returned on May 14,” Kindiki said.
“This bridge will not stall again, and I will make sure that the remaining amount, another Sh74 million, is paid as work continues. It’s a big bridge that will cost Sh165 million. I want assure you that I will push for the completion of the bridge as soon as possible. It will not stall again.”
