Transport along the Nyahururu-Kinamba and Rumuruti roads in Laikipia County was paralysed on Monday morning following protests by irate residents.
The demonstrations erupted after an elephant trampled a man to death in Marmanet Forest, sparking outrage over the persistent human-wildlife conflicts in the region.Photo|Courtesy
Residents, angered by the incident, barricaded roads with rocks and logs, effectively halting transport.
Vehicles, including commercial trucks, public service vehicles, and private cars, were caught in the gridlock as protesters vowed not to clear the roads until their grievances were addressed.
The blockade, set up at Rwathia near Maili Saba, forced motorists to seek alternative routes while travellers endured lengthy delays.
Some reports indicated that rowdy youths among the protesters took advantage of the chaos, allegedly looting from stranded passengers.
Attempts by police officers to disperse the demonstrators were unsuccessful, as the situation remained tense. Officers reportedly retreated to Nyahururu after the crowd resisted.
Local leaders, including Igwamiti MCA Irene Wachuka, tried to intervene but were met with hostility.
Wachuka was forced to flee the scene on a motorbike after residents rejected her appeals for calm.
The protesters demanded immediate action from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), including fencing off Marmanet Forest to prevent wildlife from straying into human settlements.
They also called for compensation for the victim’s family and others affected by similar incidents.
KWS had not issued a statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting.
Human-wildlife conflicts have become a contentious issue in Kenya, with President William Ruto recently committing to compensating victims of such incidents.
However, residents in Laikipia feel urgent steps are needed to prevent further loss of life and property.
By Newshub