Drama unfolded along Thika Road on Monday after a group of protesters temporarily blocked a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) convoy, causing tension and disrupting traffic flow on one of Nairobi’s busiest highways.
According to eyewitness accounts, the convoy was halted when demonstrators staged a sudden roadblock, forcing military and security vehicles to slow down as officers assessed the situation.
The incident caused a traffic buildup stretching several kilometres, leaving motorists stranded for a period before order was restored.
Security officers, including KDF personnel, were seen coordinating with other law enforcement units to safely clear the route.
No major injuries were immediately reported during the confrontation, though the situation briefly escalated as crowds gathered at the scene.
Attention on social media quickly shifted after images and short video clips began circulating online, showing one officer making a hand gesture while the convoy was moving through the area.
Some users online linked the gesture to the popular “WANTAM” slogan, a term that has recently gained traction in political discussions and digital platforms.
The interpretation sparked mixed reactions, with some social media users reading political meaning into the gesture, while others dismissed it as coincidental or misinterpreted.
Authorities have not issued an official statement linking the officer’s gesture to any political message, and the context of the moment remains unverified beyond circulating online clips.
Security agencies are yet to clarify the circumstances surrounding the convoy’s movement and the protest activity along the highway.
By the time normalcy was restored, traffic flow had resumed gradually, although delays were still reported in sections of Thika Road as authorities cleared remaining congestion.
The incident highlights the growing intersection between street protests and social media interpretation, where brief moments captured on camera can quickly spark national debate.
Investigations and official clarifications are expected as attention remains focused on the events that unfolded along the busy highway.