NAIROBI, Kenya — Motorists have raised concerns over reported attacks on major Kenyan highways, with calls growing for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to strengthen security patrols along key routes.
The latest concerns follow a reported incident near Maseno along the Kisumu-Busia road, where a driver said youths attacked his vehicle and pursued him while allegedly armed with pangas and rungus.
The driver, who was travelling from Kisumu towards Busia, warned other motorists to exercise caution, particularly when using the route at night.
“Those who are coming from Kisumu heading to Busia, be careful. There are some youths around the Maseno area. They have hit and broken my windscreen as I was heading home. They then began following me with pangas and rungus,” the driver said.
The account has triggered renewed concerns among long-distance drivers who rely on the busy highway for transport between western Kenya and the Busia border.
Drivers’ association calls for more patrols
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) has also raised concerns over insecurity along the Kisumu-Busia route.
In a social media post, the association described the road as particularly dangerous at night and urged drivers to avoid travelling on the route after dark where possible.
“The Kisumu-Busia route is worse, especially at night. Drivers, if possible, avoid this route at night. NPS and the DCI should increase their patrols,” the association stated.
The call comes amid concerns that attacks on major highways could expose motorists, passengers and commercial vehicles to robbery and other forms of crime.
Long-distance drivers are particularly vulnerable because they often travel at night and may have limited alternatives when transporting goods or passengers over long distances.
Nairobi Expressway robbery report raises questions
Security concerns have also emerged on the Nairobi Expressway, following a separate reported robbery.
A video circulating online appears to show a group of men approaching vehicles on the expressway. The individuals are seen stopping one vehicle and allegedly robbing its occupants before moving towards another vehicle.
The men reportedly escaped in their vehicle after the incidents.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of those involved and the exact location and timing, had not been independently established from the material available.
The reported robbery has nevertheless raised questions among motorists about how criminal activity could take place on a controlled-access highway during daylight hours.
Motorists demand stronger highway security
The reported incidents have prompted motorists to call for increased police visibility on major highways, particularly routes used heavily by commercial and long-distance traffic.
Drivers say insecurity on major roads can create fear and disrupt transport, especially when attacks occur in areas where motorists expect heightened security.
The concerns have also placed renewed focus on the role of highway patrols, rapid police response and investigations into reported robberies and attacks.
For the Kisumu-Busia route, motorists are particularly concerned about travelling after dark, while the Nairobi Expressway incident has raised separate questions about surveillance and security along controlled-access roads.
DCI and police urged to investigate
Motorists and drivers’ representatives have called on the NPS and DCI to investigate the reported incidents, identify those responsible and increase patrols along vulnerable sections of major highways.
A thorough investigation into the reported Maseno attack would help establish what happened, identify the people allegedly involved and determine whether similar incidents have occurred in the area.
Authorities could also use surveillance footage, witness accounts and other evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported Nairobi Expressway robbery.
As of the latest information available, there had been no public response from the police service addressing the concerns raised by motorists over the reported attacks.
