The demonstrators blocked the road, causing heavy traffic as motorists were forced to wait for hours before police moved in to disperse the crowd.
According to witnesses, the residents were carrying the body of Shantel Waruguru as they marched to express their anger and grief over her death.
Waruguru’s body had earlier been discovered in a pit latrine at her home, an incident that shocked members of the community and sparked public outrage.
Many residents said they wanted authorities to take immediate action and provide answers about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The protest procession started peacefully, with residents walking together while chanting and demanding justice.
However, tensions rose when the group reached the Giagatika section of the highway and blocked vehicles from passing.
The road is one of the main transport routes connecting Nanyuki and Nairobi, and the blockade quickly caused a traffic jam that affected both public and private transport.
Police officers later intercepted the demonstrators at the Kiamachibi area in an attempt to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Law enforcement officers ordered the crowd to clear the road and allow traffic to resume. When some protesters refused to leave, police used teargas to disperse them and restore order along the highway.
The teargas forced residents to scatter in different directions, bringing the protest to an end. Traffic flow gradually resumed after officers secured the area and removed barriers that had been placed on the road during the demonstration.
Family members and residents said they were deeply saddened by Waruguru’s death and demanded thorough investigations to establish what happened.
Some protesters accused authorities of moving slowly in handling the case, which they said pushed them to stage the demonstration to attract public attention.
Local leaders who later spoke to residents urged calm and asked the public to allow investigators to complete their work.
They encouraged community members to avoid violent protests and instead cooperate with police by sharing information that could help in the investigation.
Police officials confirmed that investigations into Waruguru’s death had begun and assured the public that justice would be served once all facts are established.
They also warned residents against blocking major roads, saying such actions put the safety of other road users at risk and interfere with essential services.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety and security within the community. Residents said they hope the case will be handled quickly and transparently to prevent further tension and restore confidence in law enforcement.
Human rights groups have also called for fair and independent investigations, noting that cases involving sudden or suspicious deaths often attract strong emotional reactions from communities.
They urged authorities to keep the public informed to avoid spreading rumours and mistrust.