Danger Lurks at Thika Bonjour Roundabout After Manhole Covers Stolen

Manholes near Shell Petrol Station along the road from Section 9 Estate.

Residents and motorists in Thika are raising alarm over two dangerously exposed manholes at the busy Bonjour roundabout, posing a major safety hazard to road users.

The gaping holes one located in the middle of Kenyatta Highway and the other just near Shell Petrol Station along the road from Section 9 have remained uncovered since the night of June 25th, shortly after the Gen Z-led nationwide protests. According to locals, the covers were stolen under the cover of darkness.

“These are not just minor hazards,” said one concerned boda boda rider. “If a vehicle or motorcycle hits that hole at speed, it could easily cause a fatal crash.”

The roundabout is one of Thika’s busiest junctions, acting as a convergence point for traffic from several major estates and highways. With the manholes right along the flow of traffic, the risk of both vehicle damage and bodily harm is substantial especially during the night when visibility is poor or during heavy rains when the holes may be filled with water and invisible to approaching drivers.

While infrastructure issues often fall under the purview of county governments, this particular case has left many residents puzzled and frustrated.

“Sijui hii nayo tuseme nini juu hatuwezi blame county government,” one resident posted on social media. “Ni mtu ama watu waliiba hizo covers kuenda kupima weight. Ni uchizi kabisa.”

The apparent theft of the metal manhole covers points to a growing trend of vandalism targeting public infrastructure, likely for resale as scrap metal. Such incidents have been reported in other parts of the country as well, especially following civil unrest.

One of the dangerously exposed manholes at the Thika Bonjour roundabout, left uncovered after its lid was stolen following the June 25th protests. Motorists risk serious accidents at this busy intersection.

Residents are now calling on the county and national government agencies to move with speed and seal the manholes before disaster strikes.

“Action needs to be taken immediately,” said another resident. “We cannot wait for someone to die before this becomes a priority.”

In the meantime, motorists are advised to approach the area with extreme caution, especially at night or during rainy weather.