Nairobi police boss George Seda./FILE
Police have dispersed a group of protesters who blocked a section of Jogoo Road in Nairobi over a failed public participation programme.
Chaos had erupted along Jogoo Road after angry protesters took to the streets, leaving the busy highway completely impassable to motorists for hours.
The group had met at a local hall to discuss the proposed housing project when the meeting turned violent. This is after local leaders boycotted the meeting.
The locals felt betrayed and marched from the hall to the main road, blocking it.
Videos obtained show thick plumes of smoke rising from bonfires lit in the middle of the road as demonstrators block vehicles from passing. The protesters were residents of Makongeni estate opposing planned evictions by the Nairobi City County government to pave the way for the construction of affordable housing projects.
Nairobi police boss George Seda said they managed to contain the situation and opened the road to motorists.
“They agreed and left the scene. It is clear now. They were not happy that some of their leaders did not turn up,” he said.
Some road users had been issuing alerts telling motorists to avoid the route, saying criminal elements have taken advantage of the chaos to rob stranded drivers near City Stadium.
This is not the first time Makongeni residents have taken to the streets to resist the planned demolitions.
Earlier protests had also turned chaotic, with locals accusing authorities of failing to provide alternative housing before displacement.
