The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has called for the immediate removal of police roadblocks mounted at key entry points into Nairobi, saying the restrictions left thousands of commuters stranded and disrupted transport into the city on Thursday morning.
In a statement, the lobby group accused security agencies of limiting the movement of law-abiding citizens and causing major inconveniences to travellers, workers, and traders trying to access the capital.
According to the association, roadblocks were reported in several areas, including Kangemi, Githurai, Mlolongo and Athi River, leading to long delays and transport disruptions on roads leading into the city.
MAK argued that the restrictions went against the constitutional right to freedom of movement, saying Kenyans should be allowed to move freely without unnecessary interference.
“The police have no legal basis to turn back law-abiding Kenyans who are exercising their fundamental rights,” the association said.
The group claimed that many passengers travelling from neighbouring towns and other parts of the country were unable to reach their destinations after access routes into Nairobi were blocked.
The disruption particularly affected workers heading to their jobs, traders travelling to markets and businesses, and other commuters who rely on daily access to the city.
Images and videos shared online on Thursday morning showed large crowds of passengers and motorists stranded at various points around Nairobi as transport services slowed down.
The association also criticised the manner in which some security operations were carried out, accusing police of using excessive force against people attempting to travel or participate in peaceful demonstrations.
According to MAK, the deployment of water cannons, tear gas and heavily armed officers against unarmed civilians raised concerns about the handling of the situation.
“The response by security forces to unarmed citizens carrying nothing but water and phones with guns, water cannons and tear gas is a display of illegal excessive force,” the association said.
All barriers should now be dismantled from the entry points into Nairobi to facilitate free flow of both persons and goods, according to the lobby group.
The group had also called for Judiciary to make sure there will be accountability over any actions that might have violated constitutional rights.
In addition, the association has demanded Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to give reasons for these restrictions that seemed to go against promises made that life would continue normally.
The MAK said that it will continue campaigning for motorists’ rights and other road users as freedom of movement is still a constitutional right.
