The Motorist Association of Kenya has slammed the government over the illegal roadblocks that have been erected across major roads in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association expressed concerns and frustration over what they termed as unlawful actions by police in blocking roads and detaining travellers.
According to the association, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja showed complete disregard for the law by directing police to block major roads.
They questioned how the IG, the very person tasked with upholding the law, could now be the one breaking it with impunity and interfering with citizens' freedom of movement.
“Why is the IG blocking our roads unlawfully, standing between us and our right to move freely in our own country? What justification can there possibly be for stopping hardworking Kenyans from attending to essential services that sustain life and dignity?” the statement read.
The association further noted that food supplies were going to waste as farmers and traders were unable to access markets due to the roadblocks.
“Our fresh food supplies are rotting in trucks and lorries because they cannot reach the markets in time. Farmers, traders, and consumers are suffering unnecessary losses because of these illegal roadblocks,” it stated.
They also raised concern about travellers who had scheduled flights and other urgent business but were trapped in traffic or blocked from proceeding.
“What of those of us rushing to catch local and international flights? Are our dreams, our businesses, and our commitments now to be crushed at roadblocks manned by officers enforcing illegal orders?” they posed.
They cited a specific case in which youths travelling from Diani to Nairobi after attending the Summer Tides Festival were stopped at Dongo Kundu Bypass and detained unlawfully.
The association termed the blockade a blatant violation of Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every Kenyan the right to move freely, enter and leave the country, and reside anywhere in the Republic.
It further stated that the blockade caused many travellers to miss their scheduled 2:00 p.m. SGR train to Nairobi as they tried to return in time for the workweek.
The association called it ironic that such a move happened shortly after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku warned civil servants against absenteeism and promised consequences for failure to report to duty.
