Police moved swiftly to reclaim control of the Southern Bypass on Saturday after a sudden road blockade in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County brought traffic to a halt just hours before a planned rally by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, raising fresh concerns over security around the event.
The early morning disruption was reported at Thogoto and Gitaru, where unknown individuals obstructed the highway by setting tyres ablaze and positioning trailers across the road. The move paralysed movement along the route, a key link for motorists travelling between Nairobi’s western suburbs and Kikuyu.
Drivers caught up in the chaos described long traffic snarl-ups, with congestion spilling over to nearby access roads. Some motorists were forced to make U-turns, while others diverted to alternative routes as the situation worsened.
Security teams were later dispatched to the area, where they cleared the barricades and restored order. Traffic flow resumed after the operation, although officers remained on site to keep watch over the situation.
“There were a few people who blocked the road, and we have managed to clear them now. The traffic is flowing even as we monitor the situation,” the officer said.
The Southern Bypass, which serves as a major corridor for movement in and out of Nairobi’s western side, experienced delays during the incident before normal operations resumed.
Police have since advised motorists to exercise caution while using the road as investigations into the incident continue.
The development came shortly after Gachagua formally wrote to the Inspector General of Police requesting heightened security ahead of the rally, warning of possible attempts to derail the gathering.
In his letter, the former Deputy President claimed there were plans to interfere with the meeting by blocking key entry and exit routes into Kikuyu town using heavy vehicles disguised as stalled, and by targeting participants and nearby businesses to spark chaos.
He further stated that his party should not be linked to any acts of violence, maintaining that his recent political engagements across the country have proceeded without incident.
