- Suspected explosives were found under the River Kuja Bridge on December 16.
- The bridge was sealed off as bomb experts moved in.
- The discovery came ahead of President Ruto’s expected visit.
- Police safely removed the devices, and no injuries were reported.
Migori County was thrown into fear on Tuesday, December 16, after police uncovered suspected live explosives hidden beneath the River Kuja Bridge. The bridge is a crucial link for transport in the area, and the discovery quickly raised alarm among locals.
According to reports, the suspicious items were found under the bridge earlier in the day, causing panic among residents. The situation was made even more tense by the fact that the area was preparing for a high-profile visit by President William Ruto, who was expected to pass through the bridge.
Once the alert was raised, security officers moved in swiftly. The bridge was immediately cordoned off, and members of the public were kept away as a precaution.
Specialised teams, including bomb disposal experts and officers from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), were called to the scene. After assessing the situation, the experts carefully removed the suspected explosives using safe procedures.
Confirming the operation, a police spokesperson said the devices were successfully secured, and no one was harmed during the exercise.
“I can confirm that the bomb disposal and ATPU teams responded, assessed the area, and safely removed the explosives from under the bridge. No injuries were recorded,” the officer stated.
The incident has reignited concerns over security around the bridge. Residents said the area is already known for its association with criminal activity, especially at night.
One resident expressed frustration, saying the bridge becomes dangerous after dark, with cases of robbery being common. Locals are now calling on the government to increase patrols and tighten security around the area.
Another resident noted the fear caused by the timing of the discovery, given the expected presidential visit, saying it could have led to serious consequences if not detected early.
The Migori scare comes just weeks after a related incident in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. In October, farmers in Nduma village unearthed an old 80mm artillery bomb believed to date back to the colonial period.
Police at the time warned that the device was extremely dangerous and could cause massive destruction within a wide radius if detonated. The bomb was safely removed and taken away for controlled disposal.
Following the latest discovery, police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or unusual activities to the authorities immediately.
Investigations are ongoing to establish who planted the explosives under the River Kuja Bridge and whether there are any additional threats in the area.
