Rowdy Youth Storm Thika Road, Attack Passengers, Motorists & Shops After Ruto Visit

The disruptive actions of the unruly youths caused sections of Thika Road, particularly Outering Road from Survey to the Kariobangi Roundabout, as well as the area near Utalii College, to become impassable.

Rowdy Youth Storm Thika Road, Attack Passengers, Motorists & Shops After Ruto Visit
A photo collage of rowdy youths attacking motorists in Mathare on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

A section of Thika Road was subjected to chaotic scenes as rowdy youth descended upon passengers, motorists, and shops in a rampant looting and theft spree following President William Ruto's tour of Mathare and its environs.

According to footage seen by Viral Tea, the youth ran through the streets, mercilessly targeting shops as others stopped motorists along the busy highway and attacked them, frustrating the normal flow of traffic along the road.

The disruptive actions of the unruly youths caused sections of Thika Road, particularly Outering Road from Survey to the Kariobangi Roundabout, as well as the area near Utalii College, to become impassable.

Footage captured groups of youths pelting stones at motorists and attacking pedestrians, forcing many drivers to make U-turns while businesses ranging from formal to informal shut down abruptly.

A photo of rowdy youths attacking motorists in Ruaraka on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. /JUMA G

Other videos shared on X captured the rampaging youths forcefully boarding public transport, robbing commuters, and looting private vehicles stranded in traffic around the areas.

"People from William Ruto's meeting at Mathare are currently robbing people at a supermarket... Wezi kama Rais wao... Some have entered the Smartphone Supermarket and are robbing it, some have stolen slaughtered chicken from fast foods along the road... Majambazi!" said X user Juma G.

Some eyewitnesses reported that the disorder unfolded in the presence of police officers, who allegedly chose not to take action. "Some unruly youths have been attacking private vehicles along Thika Road and snatching phones from unsuspecting individuals, and police are just there to see," said X user Madoka Kibet. 

This development unfolded during Ruto’s visit to the area, where he promoted his development agenda. His tour took him through several locations in Mathare before heading toward Ruaraka.

Mathare has long been known for its political volatility, and this instance was no exception, as some youths used Ruto’s visit as an opportunity to incite chaos. As of the time of publishing, the police had yet to restore order in the affected areas.

The exact cause of the chaos remains unclear, but initial reports suggest that poor planning of the President’s tour left motorists and pedestrians stranded in Mathare—a town with a high crime rate—at the mercy of unruly youths.

The aftermath included property destruction, injuries, and disruptions to normal activities in Mathare and the surrounding areas. Some affected Kenyans were forced to seek shelter in nearby petrol stations as the unrest left them stranded.

Ruto’s visit to Mathare was also hampered by an incident where area Member of Parliament Anthony Oluoch was heckled by residents in the presence of the Head of State. The MP had been allowed to speak by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, but as soon as he was handed the microphone, the crowd turned hostile, jeering him.

When he emerged to speak, Olouch was immediately met by an irate crowd in his constituency who engaged in chants of “Olouch Must Go!”, all in the presence of Ruto, Kindiki, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris, and nominated Senator Karen Nyamu.

President William Ruto greeting residents of Mathare, Nairobi on March 11, 2025. /PCS