This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Published on December 7, 2019, a severe traffic jam on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway left hundreds of motorists stranded for over 12 hours.
The jam, which stretched for kilometres from the Gilgil weighbridge, was exacerbated by heavy rains and drivers seeking alternative routes.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation worsened due to graduation ceremonies at the NYS college in Gilgil and Laikipia campus, which drew large crowds and impatient drivers.
Speaking to the press, Gilgil OCPD Emmanuel Opuru blamed the drivers for creating the jam through reckless driving, stating that the overlapping drivers on either side of the road created five lanes completely blocking each other.
"In the past we have had heavier traffic than this and our officers managed to clear them, but today impatient drivers have worsened the situation," Opuru said.
One passenger, Elizabeth Mwangi, shared her harrowing experience of spending the night in the car with her two children, terming it the worst experience of her life.
Another truck driver, Ahmed Musa, pointed an accusing finger at his fellow drivers and mainly those in matatus, calling for stringent traffic laws to deal with drivers who break the rules.
"Right now we have over three lanes on either side of the road and all the drivers are looking at each other for space," Musa said.
