Nairobi Expressway vandalism: Three shot, critically injured during 'maandamano'

Three protesters were on Wednesday shot by police and seriously injured in Mlolongo, Machakos County, during anti-government protests.

Reports indicated that the three were taking part in the vandalism of the Nairobi Expressway when reinforcement of security agencies was brought in from Nairobi.

By 4pm, there was no traffic flow as chaos rocked the expressway at Mlolongo area.

Earlier, the Nairobi expressway was closed at Mlolongo, Syokimau and Standard Gauge Railway toll plazas due to ongoing demonstrations.

On its official social media page, the company that manages the expressway - Moja Expressway Company - urged motorists to avoid using the modern route, especially those heading towards Mlolongo.

“For your safety, we urge all motorists plying the Westlands-Mlolongo route to exit from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mlolongo-Westlands bound motorists may safely join the road from JKIA Toll

At present, the entire stretch of Mombasa Road and the expressway at Syokimau are impassable, with hundreds of protesters blocking the road and lighting fires along the entire length of the busy road.

The exit at the Syokimau-Mlolongo toll station was also blocked, with the rails separating Mombasa Road and the expressway vandalised by the rowdy crowd.

Police who had earlier been deployed to the area retreated after firing teargas at the angry crowd and had to wait for reinforcements.

The police who were called in for reinforcement have arrived at the scene and are now charging towards the crowd with their tear gas canisters.

A vehicle is on fire about 100 metres from the Syokimau toll station and the protesters have covered the entire length of the road, making it completely impassable.