Traffic came to a grinding halt along Nairobi’s busy Outering Road on Monday afternoon as rival youth groups from Huruma and Kiamaiko clashed violently, prompting a swift police response to restore order.
The chaotic scenes unfolded between the Allsops and Kariobangi Roundabout, with confrontations spilling into the nearby Riverside area. Police officers were forced to intervene with crowd-control measures as the groups pelted stones and blocked sections of the highway.
A police situation update issued at 3:30 p.m. described the incident as “light but disruptive crowding,” warning that the situation remained “fluid and under close monitoring.” By late afternoon, authorities had advised motorists to steer clear of Outering Road and use alternative routes, as sporadic confrontations continued to flare.
The precise cause of the unrest remains unclear. However, sources on the ground indicated that tension had been simmering for days, with residents reportedly demanding the transfer of local police officers. Some locals alleged that the clashes were linked to turf disputes involving informal youth groups.
By 5:00 p.m., police had regained control, dispersing the rival groups and restoring calm. A heavy police presence was maintained into the evening to prevent a resurgence of violence.
No casualties were reported at the time of filing this report, though several businesses along the affected stretch closed early amid fears of looting.
Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the cause of the confrontation and review the calls by residents regarding local law enforcement conduct.
