Traffic along Nairobi's Outer Ring Road was severely disrupted on Friday evening after suspected goons reportedly staged demonstrations between the Allsops Interchange, Kiamaiko Bridge and the Kariobangi Roundabout, bringing movement to a standstill and allegedly targeting motorists.
According to witnesses, the group erected barricades and lit bonfires on sections of the highway before robbing motorists and passengers and pelting moving vehicles with stones.
The chaos forced many drivers to abandon the route, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
The disruption significantly affected traffic heading towards Thika Road, Allsops, Kariobangi and surrounding areas, with some motorists reporting that vehicles had remained at a standstill for more than three hours due to the insecurity along the corridor.
Several road users urged fellow motorists to avoid the area, particularly those travelling from the Nairobi CBD, Thika Road and Outer Ring Road towards Kariobangi, Kiamaiko and Allsops.
"If you are coming from town, Thika Road or Outering Road, Kiamaiko Bridge and Huruma Mosque are a no-go zone. Be alert and extra careful," one motorist cautioned as the situation unfolded.
"As of now, avoid Outering Road at the Kariobangi Roundabout. Suspected goons are demonstrating, robbing motorists, and pelting vehicles with projectiles. The National Police Service urgently needs to deploy additional officers to the area," road safety lobby group Sikika Road weighed in.
According to reports, the demonstrators were calling for the release of a local resident who has allegedly been missing for several days, amid claims he was in the custody of security agencies.
"The message is clear: End the abductions. Last time it was Chair Gorba, now it is Zizou. The question is, who will be next?
"We demand the immediate release of Abdul Aziz Mulo, alias Zizou, if he is being unlawfully detained. If not, the authorities must disclose his whereabouts and ensure he is accorded due process of the law," one resident said.
Meanwhile, other motorists said traffic had been paralysed for more than three hours, with vehicles heading towards Allsops unable to proceed because of the insecurity along the route.
Members of the public were advised to steer clear of the affected stretch and seek alternative routes until normalcy is restored.
Motorists were also urged to exercise caution, follow directions issued by traffic police and emergency responders, and avoid areas where roadblocks or confrontations were taking place.
The unrest sparked panic among commuters, with some motorists reportedly forced to turn back while others remained trapped as the suspected goons continued attacking vehicles.
By the time of publication, the National Police Service (NPS) had not issued an official statement on the incident, although witnesses reported seeing security officers responding to the affected area. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops.
The incident comes a day after Thursday's demonstrations, with security agencies remaining on heightened alert amid warnings that criminal elements could exploit public protests to engage in looting, vandalism and attacks on members of the public.
