Mbeere North Residents Rage Over Decades of Poor Service Delivery

Protests erupted in Siakago Market as frustrated residents and traders poured into the streets, angry over sub-standard works, stalled projects, and what they describe as years of neglect. The demonstrations targeted poor service delivery under Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire’s administration, with locals saying the situation in Siakago has become unbearable despite repeated promises. Siakago is the headquarters of Mbeere North Constituency, yet residents say the town lacks basic infrastructure expected of an administrative centre in modern Kenya. Business owners have raised concerns over the lack of cabro paving, poor road surfacing, inadequate drainage, unreliable water supply, and absence of flood lighting, challenges they say are disrupting operations and undermining livelihoods on a daily basis. Photo “Every rainy season we count losses, and at night insecurity takes over because the town is in darkness,” said one trader during the protests. The demonstrators insisted the protest was not politically motivated but was born of exhaustion after more than a decade of waiting for visible development. They said that despite years of paying taxes, complying with county regulations, and supporting local leadership, Siakago continues to appear neglected and left behind. “How does a constituency headquarters remain this underdeveloped for so long?” another business owner asked, summing up the community’s frustration. The protests come barely months after Leo Wa Muthende, formally Leonard Muriuki Njeru, was elected MP for Mbeere North in a November 27, 2025 by-election. Wamuthende took office following the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet earlier in 2025 in the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, raising expectations of renewed focus on local development. Pressure is also mounting on Governor Cecily Mbarire, whose administration has faced impeachment threats, MCA standoffs, and accusations of sidelining elected leaders. Her government has previously been questioned over alleged ghost workers, unpaid salaries, and the creation of a controversial Governor’s Delivery Unit. Mbarire has also faced accusations of sponsoring violence, claims she denies, blaming political saboteurs and rivals for creating instability. Beyond politics, residents say today’s maandamano is about dignity, accountability, and inclusion, with a simple message: Siakago deserves better, and its people deserve results.