Violence broke out in Githurai on Monday morning after angry youths engaged police in running battles during protests linked to the nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices.
Tension escalated from as early as 8:00 am as groups of youths blocked roads, lit bonfires and hurled stones at police officers.Security officers responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds, while gunshots were heard in the area as confrontations intensified.
Several matatus operating along the busy route were forced to stop after protesters barricaded roads and disrupted transport services.
Some motorists attempting to pass through the area were reportedly forced to pay money to protesters before being allowed through.
The unrest came as transport operators across Nairobi and its surrounding areas staged a shutdown in protest against the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The industrial action, which began at midnight under the banner of the #RejectFuelPrices campaign, paralysed movement across major parts of the capital and left hundreds of commuters stranded during the Monday morning rush hour.By dawn, only a few public service vehicles were operating on major routes, forcing many workers and students to walk long distances to reach their destinations.
Several matatu operators suspended services indefinitely in support of the strike.
Among the groups backing the protest are the Matatu Owners Association, the Motorist Association of Kenya, the Truckers Association of Kenya, the Digital Taxi Association of Kenya and other transport sector organisations.
Major saccos including Super Metro, Latema Travellers, Metro Trans and Forward Travellers also halted operations, citing solidarity with the nationwide demonstrations.
Transport stakeholders are demanding an immediate reversal of the latest fuel price increase and want petrol and diesel prices reduced to about Ksh 152 per litre.
They also called for reforms in fuel regulation and procurement systems, arguing that the current prices have made transport operations too expensive.
The strike continued to disrupt normal activities across Nairobi as uncertainty remained over when transport services would resume.