Written By Lisa Murimi
Heavy traffic paralyzed Nairobi’s Ngong Road on Wednesday morning as matatu operators staged a protest against alleged police brutality and extortion.Â
The operators blocked the Junction Mall Roundabout, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving motorists stranded for hours.
The protest was sparked by claims that police officers routinely demand bribes from matatu operators, with some reporting that they are forced to pay up to five times a day.
The operators, frustrated by what they describe as daily extortion, took to the streets to voice their grievances.
Ngong Road, a key highway connecting Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Ngong Town in Kajiado County, was severely affected.
Videos circulating online showed traffic stretching from Junction Mall all the way to Karen Roundabout.
As police attempted to disperse the protesters and restore order, motorists were advised to use alternative routes such as Matasia, Kiserian, and Rongai.
This protest follows a call for a nationwide strike by the Matatu Movement Kenya, which has accused insurance companies and auctioneers of exploitation.
The traffic department had not yet issued a statement by the time of publication.
This is not the first time matatu operators have blocked Ngong Road over similar grievances, highlighting ongoing tensions between them and traffic police.
