Clashes between groups from Huruma and Kiamaiko disrupted traffic along the busy Outer Ring Road on Monday afternoon, just days after rival youth groups had blocked the road on Thursday, July 24.
The unruly crowds barricaded the road, blocking traffic along the busy route linking Thika Road and the Eastern Bypass.
The clashes mainly occurred between Allsops and the Kariobangi Roundabout, spreading to the Riverside area as police tried to contain the situation.
Confrontations escalated as local police attempted to disperse the groups, resulting in clashes between police and the groups.
While the exact cause of the clashes is still under investigation, unverified reports suggest that the groups were fighting over control of a local bus stage in Kariobangi.
A local security agency shared a post warning of traffic disruption in the area: “Traffic disruption has been reported along Outering Road between Allsops and the Kariobangi roundabout following clashes between groups from Huruma and Kiamaiko,” the post shared minutes before 4pm read in part.
Motorists were urged to avoid Outering Road and take alternative routes, such as Jogoo Road and the Easter Bypass, while the authorities worked to quell the situation.
The rivalry has been steaming for at least one week now, according to local reports.
Only last week, Kenyans.co.ke obtained footage that showed groups of youth lighting fires along the busy highway.
On Thursday, July 24, afternoon, tensions had remained high along the key highway, with more anti-riot police being deployed to contain the situation.
According to witnesses, the unrest stemmed from an incident in which a suspected thief was killed by a mob in the Kiamaiko area.
The incident triggered protests from members of the one local community, who took to the streets to air their grievances.
