Kenyans on social media on Wednesday, May 31, registered their disappointment with the manner in which children from Obama Estate in Nairobi were risking their lives while crossing a dangerous bridge.
The bridge which had no grills nor holding frames was built over overflowing raw sewage that swept through a number of settlements in the eastern parts of the country's capital.
Reacting to the video that was shared by many Twitter users, including popular Gospel Musician Daddy Owen, Kenyans called on Nairobi County Governor Jonson Sakaja to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
"This is Nairobi, and the bridge is surprisingly used by school-going children who cross it every morning. Something should be done immediately to remedy the dangerous situation," Owen implored the authorities.
In the video, an unidentified man was seen explaining the plight of the residents who are forced to put up with the health hazard that stare at the people who live around the dangerous bridge.
"This is known as Siranga Bridge, and it connects Obama and Kayole Estates, including adjacent schools," a man explained in the viral video.
The bridge is about 100-meter-long concrete that carries a single lane of human traffic. It is a major transportation artery and is used by hundreds of children who attend nearby schools.
In 2016, the bridge was closed for repairs after it was damaged by vandals who stole rails, grills and metallic handles. The repairs were completed in 2017, and the bridge was reopened to traffic.
However, the crucial infrastructure was once again vandalised and the children were left exposed to the danger of a possible fall from the open concrete.
At the same time, the strong stench that covers the entire area of the Obama and Kayole Estates predisposes many to respiratory infections.
"What you are seeing is a waterfall of raw sewage, and it becomes very bad when it rains," the man explained in the video that was widely shared on Twitter.
The man who appeared in the video also claimed that children had previously fallen off the bridge on the ground as a result of the slippery nature of the concrete, claims that Kenyans.co.ke could not independently justify.
