Protests Erupt in Siakago Months After Wamuthende Takes Office
Residents and traders in Siakago Market took to the streets in protest after years of frustration over stalled projects, poor-quality work, and what they describe as long-standing neglect by county authorities.
The demonstrations broke out as angry locals demanded better service delivery and immediate action from leaders they say have repeatedly failed them.
The protests were largely directed at Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire’s administration, with demonstrators saying conditions in Siakago have continued to worsen despite numerous promises of development.
According to residents, the situation has become unbearable, forcing them to publicly express their anger and disappointment.
Siakago serves as the headquarters of Mbeere North Constituency, but residents argue that the town does not reflect the status of an administrative centre in modern Kenya. They say basic infrastructure that should be standard in such a town is either missing or in poor condition.
Business owners listed several challenges affecting their daily operations, including the lack of cabro paving in the market, poorly surfaced roads, weak drainage systems, unreliable water supply, and the absence of flood lighting.
Traders say these problems have made doing business extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season.
“Whenever it rains, businesses suffer huge losses because the roads flood and drainage fails,” said one trader during the demonstrations. “At night, insecurity becomes a serious issue because the town is completely dark.”
Protesters were keen to clarify that the demonstrations were not driven by politics. Instead, they said the action was a result of exhaustion after waiting for more than ten years without seeing meaningful development. Many said they feel ignored despite consistently paying taxes, following county regulations, and supporting elected leaders.
Residents questioned how Siakago could remain underdeveloped for so long while serving as a constituency headquarters. One business owner summed up the anger by asking how leaders could allow such a key town to lag behind year after year.
The protests come just months after Leo Wa Muthende, whose official name is Leonard Muriuki Njeru, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North in a by-election held on November 27, 2025. His election followed the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet earlier in the year.
Ruku was named Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, a move that raised hopes among residents that Mbeere North would finally receive renewed attention and faster development.
At the same time, pressure continues to build on Governor Cecily Mbarire, whose administration has faced several political challenges. These include impeachment threats, ongoing standoffs with Members of the County Assembly, and accusations of sidelining elected leaders within the county.
Her government has also been questioned over claims of ghost workers, delayed or unpaid salaries, and the establishment of a controversial Governor’s Delivery Unit.
Governor Mbarire has further faced accusations of sponsoring violence, allegations she has strongly denied, instead blaming political rivals and saboteurs for the instability.
Despite the political tensions, residents insist that the current maandamano is not about power struggles or political camps. They say it is about dignity, accountability, and inclusion in development.
Their message is clear and simple: Siakago deserves better infrastructure, better services, and leaders who deliver results. For the people of Siakago, the protests are a final call for action after years of waiting in silence.
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