A team of police officers and officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) were ambushed by a gang of armed youth while attempting to intercept an overloaded lorry along Mombasa Road at Athi River.
The officers, attached to the Axle Load Enforcement Highway Unit (ALEHU), were conducting a routine inspection when they flagged down the lorry, which was transporting building materials in violation of axle load regulations.According to Daniel Njoroge, CEO of Danka Ltd the KeNHA contractor managing the Athi River cluster — the enforcement team was suddenly attacked by rowdy youth wielding stones and crude weapons.
“The officers were ambushed by goons determined to prevent the interception. The situation quickly became dangerous, forcing police to extract the KeNHA officials and secure their safety,” Njoroge said.
The enforcement officers were outnumbered and unable to detain the suspects on the spot, but managed to record the lorry’s registration details before the attackers fled.
Police from Mlolongo Station have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in the ambush, while ALEHU continues to track the truck driver and its owner. The suspects are expected to face charges related to violence, obstruction of lawful duty, and damage to public property.
Njoroge condemned the incident, warning transporters and drivers against using criminal tactics to avoid compliance.
“Attacking officers is a serious offence. We urge all operators to follow lawful stop orders and respect the axle load limits as outlined in the EAC Axle Load Control Act,” he said.
The incident highlights growing tension on Kenyan highways as enforcement agencies intensify their crackdown on overloaded trucks, which contribute significantly to road damage and traffic accidents.
