Situation at Jamhuri Junction as Police Block Delegates and Disperse Youths with Teargas

Tension escalated along Ngong Road at Jamhuri Junction after police blocked access to delegates who had been invited through messages, and later dispersed a group of youths using teargas.

The situation unfolded on Friday morning as individuals who had reportedly received invitations began arriving at the junction. 

Many of them said they had been mobilised through text messages and social media platforms, directing them to converge at the location.

However, upon arrival, they found a heavy police presence already in place.

Officers had mounted roadblocks and restricted movement in and out of the area, effectively preventing delegates from accessing the designated meeting point.

Witnesses said the officers stopped and questioned individuals attempting to pass through the junction, turning back those who could not clearly explain their presence in the area.

The move caused confusion and frustration among the delegates, some of whom insisted they had a right to attend the meeting they had been invited to.

As the crowd grew, a group of youths gathered near the junction, chanting and demanding to be allowed through.

The standoff quickly intensified as police ordered them to disperse, citing security concerns.

Moments later, officers lobbed teargas canisters to break up the crowd after the youths refused to leave.

The area was engulfed in thick smoke, forcing people to scatter in different directions.

Some were seen running into nearby streets and businesses to escape the effects of the gas.

Traders and motorists were also caught up in the chaos, with many forced to temporarily halt their activities.

Traffic along Ngong Road was disrupted as vehicles slowed down or turned back to avoid the affected area.

Several witnesses described the scene as tense and chaotic, with people coughing and struggling to find fresh air.

Some bystanders accused the police of using excessive force, arguing that the crowd had not posed any immediate threat.

Police, however, maintained their position at the junction, continuing to block access even after the crowd had been dispersed.

Officers remained on high alert, monitoring movements and preventing any regrouping.

It was not immediately clear who had organised the meeting or why authorities had moved to stop the delegates from accessing the venue.

Those who had gathered insisted they were responding to an invitation and intended to participate in a peaceful event.

By mid-morning, the situation had calmed slightly, although a strong police presence remained in place.

Small groups of people could still be seen lingering at a distance, discussing the morning’s events.