Street signs bearing Uhuru, Ruto in Chuka town to stay
A dispute surrounding the naming of streets in Chuka Town took a new twist after a State agency removed the contentious road signs.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority regional manager Daniel Nderitu said signs bearing names of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto would, however, be left intact.
“There is no dispute involving those two roads. But we have removed signage for all the other roads because of the disagreements over the naming,” said Mr Nderitu.
He said the roads would be renamed once proper consultations with all the stakeholders have been made.
“Road naming is actually a county function. I want to assure Chuka residents that the street signs will be put again once we sit down and names are recommended.
“I have called the county officials, and they are comfortable with the naming of streets after the President and his deputy,” he said.
RENAMED
He added: “As long as the leaders agree, the streets will be renamed.”
On Saturday, signposts bearing names of Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP Muthomi Njuki, Senator Kithure Kindiki and Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Erastus Njoka were defaced with black paint.
Mr Njuki accused his opponents, who are not supportive of his development record, of being behind the vandalism.
Some residents welcomed the step taken by the roads agency, saying it will bring sanity among the local leaders.
Mr William Mutegi said this provides an opportunity to follow due process in the naming of the streets.
“Let the right process be followed to avoid such an embarrassment again,” said Mr Mutegi.
Another resident, Ms Lucy Mugambi, said: “It is very embarrassing for the name of the Head of State to be in newspaper headlines for criticism because of lack of unity among our leaders.”
