Transport along the Isiolo–Meru highway came to a standstill on Monday after residents staged demonstrations to protest escalating insecurity in the region.
Photos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the road barricaded by stones, a situation that forced motorists to use alternative routes, according to the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK).
According to the residents, recurrent bandit attacks and cattle rustling incidents in the area have posed a serious security threat to residents.
Despite raising the issue with security agencies, residents claimed that they have been reluctant to take action against the attacks, which have claimed the lives of people and robbed them of their properties.
"Transport was brought to a standstill on Monday along the Isiolo–Meru highway as angry residents took to the streets to protest rising insecurity and rampant cattle rustling in the region," MAK stated.
"According to the protestors, repeated attacks by bandits have left them living in fear, with livestock raids becoming more frequent. They accused authorities of laxity and failing to provide lasting solutions to the menace that has not only robbed them of their property but also claimed lives," it added.
Following the incident, security agencies were deployed in the area to clear the road. The police further urged motorists using the route to remain vigilant.
The incident comes days after residents of Kipsitet in Kericho County barricaded the Kisumu–Kericho highway after a road incident that claimed the lives of 6 people and left 4 others nursing injuries.
The residents blocked the road at Kipsitet Junction all the way to Chepseng'eny Junction, rendering the highway impassable.
The protests erupted on Wednesday, September 17. Residents accused the County Government of Kericho, led by Governor Eric Mutai, of being reluctant to take action after the incident.
According to the resident, the county government has failed to pay electricity bills in Kipsitet for the streetlights and lacks designated matatu stages, in turn endangering the lives of motorists.
Furthermore, the angry residents faulted the county government for not constructing a designated boda boda stage and for the lack of a proper market centre for them.
