This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On June 15, 2020, a massive traffic jam occurred along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway at Rironi in Limuru due to a demonstration against eight roadblocks.
Central Residents, matatu operators, and the Limuru business community took to the streets to protest the roadblocks, which they claim have become extortion points where police ask for bribes between Sh100 and Sh500.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who was traveling to Nyandurua, found himself caught up in the protests and addressed the gathering, assuring them that their voices would be heard and action would be taken.
Over 300 demonstrators marched to the roadblock, demanding its removal and presenting a petition to the officers manning the roadblock.
The petition stated that the roadblocks, which include Rusigeti, Mutarakwa, Kwa Mathoore, Cianda, Kentimere, Redhill, Ngecha, Rironi, and Nazareth, had resulted in the whole sub-county being placed under an ungazetted lockdown, affecting businesses and causing job losses.
Residents claimed that the Rironi roadblock, which was reinstated on June 12, had become a major issue, with matatus, cars, and trucks being forced to pay between Sh100 and Sh500 to be allowed through.
Locals expressed frustration at the situation, with some residents stating that even accessing hospitals had become a challenge due to the roadblocks.
