Traffic Paralysed on Thika Road as Armed Youths Block Highway, Motorists Report Robberies at Pangani

Traffic Paralysed on Thika Road as Armed Youths Block Highway, Motorists Report Robberies at Pangani

Traffic along Nairobi’s busy Thika Road was brought to a near standstill on Friday morning after groups of youths blocked sections of the highway near the Pangani area, triggering hours of disruption, panic among commuters and reports of robberies targeting stranded motorists.

The incident unfolded during the morning rush hour, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded as long queues of vehicles formed along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors linking Nairobi’s Central Business District to Kiambu County and surrounding areas.

Witnesses at the scene reported that groups of youths barricaded parts of the highway, forcing motorists to slow down or stop completely while others abandoned the affected route in search of alternative roads.

Several eyewitnesses claimed that some of the individuals involved were armed with machetes, clubs and other crude weapons, raising fears over the safety of motorists caught in the traffic gridlock.

Videos and photographs shared widely on social media showed thick smoke rising near the roadside as people ran from the scene while others attempted to navigate through stationary traffic. Some motorists were seen making abrupt U-turns while others remained trapped inside their vehicles as the situation unfolded.

Witnesses further alleged that as tensions escalated, some of the youths began pelting vehicles with stones, damaging property and robbing motorists and pedestrians caught in the congestion.

“Some of the youths were armed with machetes and crude weapons as they moved along the highway, forcing motorists to flee while others remained trapped in traffic,” one witness claimed.

Other road users described scenes of confusion as frightened commuters sought shelter while business activities around the affected area slowed significantly.

The motive behind the road blockade had not been officially established by the time of publication, and authorities had not confirmed whether the disruption was linked to organised protests or criminal activity.

Similarly, the full extent of injuries, property damage and losses remained unclear as emergency response teams and security agencies assessed the situation.

By Friday morning, the National Police Service (NPS) had not issued an official statement confirming the incident, announcing arrests or providing details regarding ongoing investigations.

The absence of immediate official communication prompted many Kenyans to take to social media platforms, where they appealed for urgent police intervention and enhanced security along the highway.

The latest disruption has once again highlighted growing concerns over public safety during demonstrations, particularly following previous incidents where criminal elements have allegedly infiltrated protests to engage in vandalism, theft and attacks on innocent members of the public.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that major highways remain vulnerable whenever demonstrations spill onto road networks, exposing commuters to both security risks and significant economic losses resulting from transport disruptions.

The incident also comes just weeks after President William Ruto directed security agencies to intensify operations against organised criminal gangs accused of infiltrating demonstrations and causing violence.

Speaking in June, the President instructed the Ministry of Interior and security agencies to pursue individuals responsible for orchestrating violent activities during protests, insisting that criminal gangs should not be allowed to exploit peaceful demonstrations.

“Goons and those financing criminal activities must face the full force of the law,” President Ruto said while directing security agencies to intensify operations against organised gangs.

The directive followed several incidents in different parts of the country where businesses were looted and public property destroyed during demonstrations.

Friday’s disruption on Thika Road is expected to renew calls for enhanced security planning around public protests, particularly on major highways that serve thousands of commuters every day.

As investigations continue, motorists have been advised to remain vigilant, monitor official traffic advisories and cooperate with law enforcement officers whenever disruptions occur. Authorities are expected to provide further updates once investigations establish the circumstances surrounding the Pangani incident and determine those responsible for the road blockade and the reported robberies.

ALSO READ: Motorists Move to Court Over NTSA’s 50 km/h Speed Limit on Nairobi-Embu Highway

Traffic Paralysed on Thika Road as Armed Youths Block Highway, Motorists Report Robberies at Pangani