Section Of Nairobi Expressway Closed Amid Azimio Protests

The Nairobi Expressway on Wednesday, July 12 announced a temporary closure of sections of the 27.1-kilometre elevated road after anti-government protestors vandalised the road during the Azimio la Umoja protests.

Moja Expressway, the operator, announced that toll services at Mlolongo, Syokimau and Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) toll stations were stopped temporarily owing to the protests.

"We regret to inform you that a section of the Nairobi Expressway toll services have been temporarily halted at Mlolongo, Syokimau and SGR Toll Stations due to the ongoing demonstrations. 

"Efforts are underway to restore normalcy to the road," stated the operator.

Protestors vandalise Nairobi Expressway toll stations and light up tyres near Mlolongo, Machakos County on July 12, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH

For their safety, Moja urged all motorists plying the Westlands-Mlolongo route to exit from JKIA and Mlolongo-Westlands bound motorists may safely join the road from JKIA Toll Station. 

"In case of an incident or accident, call the 24/7 rescue hotline on 0111 039888," added the operator.

Earlier, protestors vandalised the barrier and toll stations near Mlolongo, Machakos County and lit up tyres along the expressway in the company of rowdy youth, thus paralysing operations along the multi-billion road.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah called out the Azimio coalition over the chaos that ensued along the expressway.

He questioned the opposition's motives in calling for the protests that have so far led to the destruction of property.

"This madness by all means must stop. Is this a peaceful protest/procession??? And the media will blame the police for dispersing “peaceful demonstrators,” Ichung'wah lamented. 

Political players also called for urgent intervention from police officers. 

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, is expected to once again lead in nationwide protests against President William Ruto's administration at Kamukunji grounds, piling pressure on the government.

On the day before the protests, Raila launched a signature collection initiative dubbed Tumechoka Citizens to force President Ruto's administration out of power, aiming to collect at least 15 million signatures.

Inspector General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome had declared the demonstrations illegal, arguing that while the Constitutional provision under Article 37 guarantees freedom of assembly, picketing, and petitioning, previous demonstrations especially by the opposition outfit have led to deaths and destruction of property.

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A toll station at the Nairobi Expressway. /FILE