Two businessmen have been arrested in Mombasa County suspected of vandalising Makupa Bridge. Mombasa Deputy Commander Joseph Chebii confirmed the report and warned the individuals who have vandalising public properties been in search of scrap metal.
During the raid, the police allegedly confiscated some of the metals believed to have been vandalised from Makupa Bridge. The police further noted that the two suspects were in the scrap metal business for a long time, and are believed to be working in cahoots with a syndicate that has bigger connection in the business.
Exhibits
The metals, which included rails and crude materials, were confiscated and would be used as exhibits in court. The arrests come just two weeks after Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was forced to close down the bridge for two days after vandalism rendered it impassable. This was done to allow for repair works. KeNHA Coast Deputy Director Howard Manyi applauded the officers noting that he hoped for a conviction of the suspects.
“We believe that the security agents will do their job and are going to get to the bottom of the matter and get to apprehend the culprits. Also, get to secure a conviction in court. Those who continue to destroy property like this, the police will catch up with them,” said Manyi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the construction of Makupa dual carriage bridge in December 2020. The government is planning to demolish the bridge altogether to pave way for the construction of a new dual carriage bridge at a cost of Sh 4.5 billion.
