Chaos along Southern Bypass as goons attack motorists ahead of Kikuyu rally
Traffic along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass was disrupted for several hours today morning after suspected goons blocked sections of the highway and attacked motorists ahead of a planned political rally in Kikuyu.
Witnesses said the incidents began as early as 6am, with attackers targeting both vehicles and pedestrians. Several motorists reported being mugged, while others had their vehicles vandalised, including smashed windscreens and damaged tyres, forcing some to flee for safety.
One victim, sharing images of her damaged vehicle on social media, decried the lack of police response.
“We don’t have a government here. I have been a victim of the ongoing mugging and destruction of property along Southern Bypass. From 6am there’s been no police response. This is organized crime,” she said.
Another motorist recounted a similar ordeal involving family members, while Samuel Kiraguri said his vehicle was also damaged during the chaos.
Videos circulating online showed sections near Thogoto and Gitaru barricaded with bonfires and debris, causing heavy traffic snarl-ups and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
A section of Kenyans condemned the violence, terming it organised criminal activity linked to rising political tensions.
“Deeply disturbing. This is criminal. This kind of organised hooliganism and goonism in our political space should not be normalised,” said Franklin Mukolwe.
Police later moved in to disperse the attackers and clear the road, restoring traffic flow after several hours.
Security agencies subsequently intensified patrols in the area, and calm was later reported in Kikuyu town, where officers maintained heightened security ahead of the rally organised by Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party.
The event comes amid a simmering political standoff between Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Yesterday, Gachagua had written to Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) Douglas Kanja requesting enhanced security for the rally, alleging a plot to deploy “organised goons” to block roads, vandalise property and disrupt the meeting.
He claimed a meeting held in Limuru had hatched plans to cause chaos, including staging breakdowns using heavy vehicles to obstruct key access roads into Kikuyu town and expose his convoy to possible attacks.
Gachagua also sought to distance his party from any planned violence, citing previous political engagements across Kiambu County that he said were peaceful and orderly.
However, Ichung’wah dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, urging security agencies not to withdraw protection from residents and property.
“Do not fall into this trap to withdraw security teams from protecting Kikuyu Town against this vile man and his campaign of violence and destruction,” he said.
