NAIROBI, Kenya – Traffic along Thika Road was thrown into chaos on Friday morning after suspected goons blocked the busy highway near Pangani, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded and causing severe delays on one of Nairobi’s main transport corridors.
Videos seen by Y News show vehicles at a standstill near the Pangani footbridge as traffic built up rapidly in both directions.
Private cars, public service vehicles and commercial traffic were unable to move, with some road users opting to wait for the situation to ease before proceeding.
The blockade caused significant disruption to commuters using Thika Road, a key route linking Nairobi’s central business district to densely populated estates and neighbouring counties.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and it is not yet known what prompted the suspected goons to block the highway.
By the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution and consider alternative routes as traffic continues to build up around Pangani and surrounding areas.
Pattern of Disruptions on Major Nairobi Roads
The Pangani incident comes just days after traffic along Nairobi’s Outer Ring Road was brought to a standstill on Friday, June 26, after suspected goons staged demonstrations near Kiamaiko Bridge and the Kariobangi Roundabout.
Witnesses said the group barricaded sections of the road, robbed motorists and passengers, and pelted moving vehicles with stones, forcing many drivers to abandon the route.
Several motorists took to social media to warn others to avoid the area, particularly those travelling from the Nairobi CBD, Thika Road and Outer Ring Road towards Kariobangi, Kiamaiko and Allsops.