EMBU, Kenya – Residents of Kariru Sub-Location in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County, have staged a protest over the lack of electricity and clean water, accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promises.
The locals are now calling on their Member of Parliament, Muchangi Karemba, to push the government to honour its pledge to install electricity in the area.
Speaking exclusively to Y News at Kiamururi village, resident Martin Njeru said the MP has repeatedly made promises that remain unfulfilled.
“Our MP, Muchangi Karemba, came here in 2022 and promised to install electricity in our homes. Three years later, we still have no electricity and no water. More than 25 homes in this village are still in darkness. We are very disappointed,” Njeru said.
Catherine Ikamba, also a resident of Kiamururi village, expressed frustration over what she described as endless empty promises. She said the lack of electricity has negatively affected school-going children.
“I have lived in this village for many years and seen leaders come and go. I trusted that MP Karemba would change our situation, but he has behaved just like the others. We have no water and no electricity. My grandchildren struggle to do their school assignments at night because there is no power. Karemba needs to act,” Ikamba said.
Another resident, Njue Kamicengo, said families are forced to walk long distances in search of water, which is sometimes unsafe for consumption.
“We have neither electricity nor water. Women suffer at night when they have to prepare meals using candles. We walk long distances to fetch water, and sometimes it is dirty. People fall sick with typhoid and other waterborne diseases. How long are we supposed to live like this?” he asked.
The locals say they are waiting to see whether the MP for Runyenjes Constituency will respond to their calls and take action to address the crisis.
