The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory to motorists heading to Nairobi due to the ongoing burial service of the late former President Mwai Kibaki in Othaya, Nyeri County.
According to a statement dated Saturday, April 30, KeNHA has warned of a likely heavy traffic after the burial ceremony.
"In light of the ongoing burial of the late former President Mwai Kibaki in Othaya, there is anticipated traffic congestion. Motorists are therefore advised to follow traffic police guidelines. Motorists should also explore alternative routes, especially after the burial ceremony," the authority stated.
Due to the anticipated traffic congestion, KeNHA advised motorists to use alternative routes heading to Nairobi from Othaya.
One of the alternative routes listed by KeNHA include Othaya through Kirieini, Kangema, Gacharage, and then finally to Thika B23 road.
According to the authority, you can also use Mukurweini ,Karatina,Sagana then Thika route from Othaya.
KeNHA further listed Othaya, Kirieini, Kangema, Murang'a, Kenol then Thika as an alternative route.
For motorists heading to Nyeri later, KeNHA further listed alternative routes to avoid congestion with the procession that will be leaving from Othaya.
The routes include;Othaya-Giakanja- Nyeri ( B23 ), Othaya - Karatina - Marua - Nyeri ( B27 / A2 ) and Othaya - Mukurweini - Gatitu - Nyeri
Kibaki's funeral cortege departed Lee Funeral Home at 7 am for Nyeri County ahead of the State Burial Service at Othaya Approved School Grounds in Othaya town.
Kibaki served as Othaya Constituency MP for a record 35 years in his long public service career spanning five decades.
The hearse escorted by the military traversed Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri Counties.
He will be accorded full military honours before a private ceremony where his body will be interred.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are among top leaders attending the service, with thousands of Kenyans also allowed to pay their last respect.
