Normal operations were disrupted along Kangundo Road on Tuesday, November 19, as residents engaged in fiery demonstrations.
The residents were reportedly protesting against poor infrastructure in the surrounding neighbourhood of the Umoja III stage.
The residents grew increasingly impatient with their local member of the Nairobi County Assembly accusing him of doing nothing to address blocked sewer lines and a poor road network, particularly during the rainy season.
Images and videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke revealed the magnitude of the demonstrations with a section of a busy road blocked by a huge bonfire started by the protesters.
Residents also threw rocks on the road, temporarily disrupting traffic as motorists sought alternative routes out of fear of seeing their vehicles damaged by the tens of protesting residents.
In one video, a resident can be heard lamenting how their local leaders failed them and that the protests were largely peaceful.
"We don't want handouts at this point," he can be heard saying. "We're tired of handouts from these politicians. We just want development then you can come back for another term."
"People are on strike. They are peaceful but they have stopped all operations along Kangundo Road."
Authorities have since been deployed to contain the demonstrations, which spewed over to other residential areas along Kangundo Road.
The issue of roads is not the only one that has affected Umoja residents in recent times.
In September, three residents boldly filed a lawsuit against the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) and Nairobi County Government over illegal waste disposal in their area.
According to the three residents, the county government has violated their right to a clean and healthy environment by neglecting waste collection and failing to dispose of it properly.
Accumulated garbage in the neighbourhood has led to blocked roads, foul odours and an increase of pests like mice in the area.
