Normal activities along the Thika Super Highway were severely disrupted on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, as residents in Witeithie, Kiambu County, staged protests.
(Photo Used For Illustration Purposes Only)
The residents blocked the busy highway to express their frustration over a surge in kidnappings in the area. According to them, three children have reportedly gone missing over the past month. One of the latest cases involved a Grade 8 girl who was allegedly abducted on Tuesday, January 13, by unknown individuals in a black vehicle.
Photos and videos shared on social media showed a long line of vehicles stuck in traffic. Protesters used stones and burning tires to block the highway, forcing motorists to stop and look for alternative routes.
At the time of reporting, law enforcement officers had not arrived at the scene to control the situation. Security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, have not confirmed or provided updates on the alleged kidnappings.
The protests followed a major traffic disruption on Monday, January 16, caused by a road accident near the GSU Headquarters on the lower section near Alsops. The incident involved a lorry and a 14-seater public service vehicle. The lorry reportedly toppled in the middle of the road, blocking traffic entirely. It was carrying various items, including jerrycans.
Motorists traveling towards Kahawa West, Githurai 44 and 45, Kahawa Sukari, and Ruiru were the most affected. Many had to use Kiambu Road, then connect through the Northern Bypass to bypass the blocked section of Thika Road.
By Newshub