Thousands of commuters were stranded on Tuesday morning after police partially closed sections of Thika Road and barred most public service vehicles from accessing the highway ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests commemoration.
The restrictions triggered long queues of commuters at bus stops and left many unable to report to work as police mounted security checks at several points along the highway.
Police officers redirect matatus while allowing other motorists to proceed at Githurai after partially closing a section of the Thika Superhighway amid heightened security and fears of possible Saba Saba anniversary protests.
Photo credit: Willfred Nyangaresi|Nation Media Group
Roadblocks were set up at Kimbo, Kihunguro and the Eastern Bypass junction, where officers stopped and inspected vehicles. While private vehicles were allowed through after inspection, most matatus were turned away, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Stranded commuters at Githurai Roundabout resort to walking after police sealed off the road to Nairobi CBD amid heightened tensions over Saba Saba anniversary.
Photo credit: Willfred Nyangaresi|Nation Media Group
The partial closure of sections of the highway caused major traffic disruptions, with the few matatus that arrived declining to proceed to the Nairobi central business district, citing the restrictions.
Saba Saba commemoration: Commuters stranded as matatus remain parked in Ruiru
"I have been here for two hours and there are no matatus. The few that show up say they are not going to town," said Martin Oduor, one of the stranded commuters at Githurai 45.
"It is so unfortunate. Most of us live hand to mouth. We must show up to get something, but the police have now held me hostage. I cannot go to work," he said.
Many commuters were seen waiting by the roadside hoping to find alternative transport, while others opted to walk long distances after realizing they could not access public transport into the city.
Stranded commuters at Githurai Roundabout.
Photo credit: Willfred Nyangaresi|Nation Media Group
The heightened security operation comes as police tighten access to Nairobi ahead of the Saba Saba demonstrations, with security officers maintaining a heavy presence on major highways leading into the capital.
