Transport Disrupted On Northern Bypass As Marurui Residents Protest

Akoth
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Transport was temporarily paralysed along the Northern Bypass as squatters in Marurui, within the Kasarani area of Nairobi, staged protests over alleged land grabbing by a private developer.

The protesters blocked sections of the busy bypass and vowed not to vacate the land, which they say is home to more than 6,000 squatters. The demonstration caused significant disruption to motorists, with traffic brought to a standstill as tensions escalated in the area.

According to footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the protest unfolded in a tense and highly charged atmosphere.

Dozens of men were seen obstructing major sections of the bypass using large tree trunks, effectively creating a physical barricade that prevented vehicles from passing.

Some of the individuals involved in the protest appeared to be organised, with several wearing helmets, masks, and reflective vests. Their coordinated actions suggested a deliberate effort to block the road and draw attention to their grievances over the disputed land.

In other scenes captured in the footage, another section of the road was completely blocked by burning tyres and logs.

Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as flames burned intensely, further worsening visibility and making it difficult for motorists to navigate the area.

Stones were also scattered across the tarmac, adding to the obstruction and heightening safety concerns.

The protest highlights growing tensions over land ownership in the area, with squatters accusing a private developer of attempting to take over land they have occupied for years.

The demonstrators insisted that they would not leave, signalling the possibility of a prolonged standoff if their concerns are not addressed.

Motorists using the bypass were forced to seek alternative routes as the situation unfolded, with some stranded for hours due to the roadblocks.

The disruption underscored the critical role of the Northern Bypass as a key transport link within Nairobi, particularly for those seeking to avoid congestion in the city centre.

While the protest remained largely focused on blocking the road, the use of burning tyres and barricades raised concerns about public safety and the potential for escalation.

The presence of smoke and debris posed risks not only to protesters but also to motorists and nearby residents.

Authorities had not immediately issued a statement on the incident by the time of reporting.

It remained unclear whether security agencies had intervened to restore order or facilitate dialogue between the squatters and the alleged developer.

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