NAIROBI, Kenya — Motorists using the Mlolongo Exit of the Nairobi Expressway were reportedly stranded on Monday night after protesters barricaded the access road, preventing vehicles from leaving the expressway.
The protests, which reportedly began at around 6 pm and continued past midnight, were allegedly staged by boda boda riders following the death of one of their colleagues.
The blockade disrupted transport and businesses in Mlolongo as traffic built up around the exit and motorists struggled to access the road leading from the expressway.
Protesters block Mlolongo exit
Preliminary reports indicated that the demonstrators gathered across the road leading from the Nairobi Expressway’s Mlolongo Exit, effectively preventing vehicles from proceeding.
Images widely shared online showed a large group of people occupying the road as motorists attempting to leave the expressway remained stuck.
The demonstrations reportedly intensified as protesters maintained the blockade despite efforts to restore movement in the area.
Motorists were advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes as the disruption continued.
Reports of robberies and intimidation
There were also reports that some motorists were stopped and robbed during the demonstrations.
Witnesses claimed that some protesters were armed with crude weapons, although the reports had not been independently verified by the time of publication.
The alleged incidents raised concerns among motorists and residents over the safety of people travelling through Mlolongo during the protests.
Some witnesses also claimed that police did not intervene immediately as the situation escalated, despite disruptions to transport and businesses.
Police officers were later reported to have arrived and attempted to disperse the protesters. However, the efforts were reportedly unsuccessful, with demonstrators intensifying the blockade.
Official statements awaited
Moja Expressway, the operator of the Nairobi Expressway, and the National Police Service had not issued official statements on the incident by the time of publication.
It was therefore not immediately clear how many motorists were affected, whether any arrests had been made or whether injuries were reported during the demonstrations.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the boda boda rider that reportedly triggered the protests were also not immediately established.
Mlolongo has history of expressway protests
The incident adds to a history of demonstrations in Mlolongo, where protesters have previously targeted the Nairobi Expressway and nearby toll facilities.
In July last year, the Mlolongo Exit was reportedly blocked during the Saba Saba demonstrations, disrupting transport and affecting operations at the Mlolongo toll station.
