There was tension and confusion on Saturday morning after a section of the Southern Bypass was blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving many motorists stranded.
Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has now accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of being behind the early morning incident.
In a statement shared online, Ichung’wah claimed the blockade was organised by a known mobiliser from Ruai, who he said was acting on instructions from Gachagua.
The incident took place between 5:30 am and 6 am, when youths barricaded the major road in Thogoto Kiamburi, near the PCEA junction in Kikuyu town, and in Gitaru. The youths barricaded both sides of the major road by burning tires, throwing stones as well as trailers into the road hence preventing any vehicle from passing through.
Videos shared online showed youths wearing masks, waving sticks, and standing near burning tire fires. It was indeed a terrible experience for road users.
Residents in the area said movement into Kikuyu Town was also affected. The railway bridge was blocked, and the Dagoretti–Kikuyu road was also not accessible.
Some motorists and pedestrians claimed they were attacked as they tried to pass through, especially in the early hours when there was little police presence.
Eventually, police intervened and were able to clear the road in Gitaru, enabling normal movement along the road. Ichung’wah said that security agents were on high alert to avoid any future disturbances
According to the MP, the chaos was planned. It was supposed to cause tension for Gachagua to have reasons to claim that the government was hindering his political activities.
According to him, it is high time that leaders desisted from using this strategy to interrupt people’s routine lives. This is to say that businesses and residents should not be inconvenienced due to politics.
The chaos on Saturday follows the heated discussion between Gachagua and Ichung’wah on Friday, which happened after DCP clashed with Ichung’wah.
In a letter sent to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the party had claimed there was a plan to interfere with their rally. They even named senior officers they alleged were involved.
Ichung’wah, however, dismissed those allegations, referring to them as incitement, urging the police to maintain their protection around the town of Kikuyu.
As the investigation progresses, residents have called for calmness in the area, stating that all they want is peace and smooth movement around there.
