Transport along the busy Meru–Nairobi highway came to a standstill on Wednesday after angry residents of Marima staged a fourth consecutive day of demonstrations over the poor state of the Marima–Karigini road, paralysing traffic, disrupting learning, and leading to the destruction of government property.
The demonstrators blocked sections of the highway, leaving motorists and passengers stranded for hours. Some drivers reported being stuck for close to eight hours as police tried to restore order.
Residents say the Marima–Karigini road has deteriorated to a point where it is no longer passable, affecting livelihoods and access to essential services.
Kennedy Murithi, a local resident, said the road is in poor condition that even small vehicles can no longer use it.
“This road is not passable at all. We are suffering every day,” he said.
Farmers in the area say they are unable to transport produce to markets, leading to losses and rising food insecurity.
Kelvin Mugambi noted that many farmers have been forced to watch their produce go to waste due to impassable sections of the road.
“Taking farm produce to the market has become a struggle. Some of us are losing our harvest because vehicles cannot reach our farms,” Mugambi said.
Elijah Murimi, a driver whose vehicle was caught up in the traffic snarl-up, said the prolonged blockage disrupted critical travel plans for many passengers.
“We stayed on the road for almost eight hours. Some passengers were travelling to attend a burial, and now it is too late for them to make it. We appeal to the government and leaders to engage in dialogue so that people who are not involved can continue with their businesses,” Murimi said.
Learning in several schools within the affected area was also disrupted as parents kept children at home over safety concerns.
Joyce Makena, a parent, said insecurity caused by the demonstrations has made it difficult for children to attend school.
“On Monday, we were taking our children out of school at around 8 pm because of the situation on the roads. We are concerned about their safety. We urge leaders to come together and find a lasting solution to this issue,” she said.
The protests escalated into acts of vandalism, with demonstrators setting fire to documents and chairs at the Muthambi Sub-County offices.
The office of the county enforcement unit was also torched during the unrest.
Security officers were deployed to the area to disperse crowds and reopen the highway though tension remained high.
Residents are now calling on national and county government leaders to urgently intervene, rehabilitate the Marima–Karigini road, and engage the community in dialogue to prevent further disruptions and destruction of public property.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
