• Commuters who were caught up in the early morning traffic were forced to walk long distances to their destination following the disruptions.
• The National Police Service clarified that the picketing which led to major traffic snarl up was not in any way linked to the police or police actions.
Police have denied media reports that matatu operators were harassed resulting in their protest Thursday morning in Westlands.
The National Police Service clarified that the picketing which led to major traffic snarl up was not in any way linked to the police or police actions.
“Preliminary report indicates that the protesters were aggrieved by what they alleged to have been interference with their pick up and drop off points along the highway prompted by the new road design in the area,” the NPS said in a tweet.
Commuters who were caught up in the early morning traffic were forced to walk long distances to their destination following the disruptions.
Police later intervened and cleared the congestion after dispersing the protesting crew with teargas.
“We assure all motorists and other road users that our officers are still on site working to ensure free flow of traffic and security along the said route,” the NPS said.
The new road design occassioned by construction of the Nairobi Expressway has one bus stage on the outbound carriageway but none on the inbound road.
The pick up and drop off zone outside the Naivas Supermarket in Westlands is now designated as the entry point for vehicles using the elevated expressway.
Matatus are hence forced to pick and drop passengers on the walkway, resulting in obstruction of other road users.