When the Shaabab stage launch was done on August 27, it elicited great reaction from residents who earlier had to board their matatus from, Kenyatta Lane close to Kanu House.

However, they were not the only ones who joined in the celebration. Drivers, touts and contributors in the matatu sector came in to see Governor Susan Kihika alongside Biashara ward MCA Fadhili Msuri launch the stage.

In true celebration style, the launch had a plaque to commemorate the reopening of the stage.

Rehabilitated Shabab stage launched by Governor Susan Kihika on August 27, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

At the unveiling it read ‘Nakuru Shaabab stage was officially launched by Hon. Susan Kihika, Governor Nakuru County on August 27’

According to residents, it’s the message on the plaque that angered some residents and in no less than three days after the launch, the plaque went missing.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Joseph Kahuria, a tout operating in the stage notes that the plaque was removed at night, two days after it was installed.

Joseph Kahuria, a tout at the Shabab stage during an interview on September 3,2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He notes disagreement between matatu stakeholders in the stage might have resulted in someone removing it.

“The plaque read Shaabab stage and some saccos operating from this stage had a problem with that. In my opinion, this might have prompted someone to remove the plaque because of their dissatisfaction on the stage’s name,” says Kahuria.

Holding a contrary opinion, Joseph Murethi, a driver operating in this stage notes that the plaque disappearance is linked to a number of people being irritated by the installation of plaques on projects funded by taxpayers’ money.

“It baffles me why the plaque was there in the first place. I don't understand why a small project attracted someone of high status such as the governor for the launch,” Mureithi laments.

He continues, “Having that plaque there is trying to push a personal agenda that may sway the public's opinion about you. We appreciate that the project was done to its completion, however, this was funded by our tax. There was no need of installing the plaque.”

Echoing his sentiments, Duncan, a bodaboda rider operating adjacent to the stage, notes that other than the plaque, the project board at the stage having the governor's portrait should also be taken down.

Motorbike rider Duncan gives his sentiments during an interview at Shabab stage on September 3, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

" It angers me to see this board every day. We have another one at Lions garden too. When will elected leaders stop being manipulative? Let this projects have the Nakuru county logo, not elected leaders splashing their names and portraits on development projects funded by taxpayer money," he says.

On the other hand, Mohamed Bakasa, notes that he does not see any problem with the said plaque being there since the rehabilitation of the stage has been done.

Mohamed Bakasa during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on September 3, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He however points out disappointment on the quality of work done by the contractor on site noting that parts of the laid tarmac had already started chirping.

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Muthoni Wanjiku