Commuters and traders operating along Thika Road are counting losses after several electricity polls fell on a matatu and stalls following heavy rainfall and strong winds experienced in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 25.
From images and videos captured by motorists, a matatu - which was picking up passengers at the Ruiru stage - was the most affected after a pole fell on its windscreen.
Preliminary reports indicate that no one was, however, injured during the Tuesday incident.
Stalls aligned along the stretch were also affected when the electricity wires landed on a number of the metallic structures.
The incident caused traffic snarl along the highway as motorists sought alternative routes.
Consequently, the power utility firm was also asked to act with urgency to prevent electrocutions noting that some wires had touched the ground.
"There's massive traffic on Thika Superhighway at the Kihunguro outbound. There's been a storm. Traffic diverting into Ruiru Town causing chaos! Motorists planning to use the road should brace themselves.
"The situation at the Ruiru stage towards Rainbow Resort is critical. High voltage powerlines are down over the service lane and superhighway," Nathan Davids appealed.
Various road agencies such as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Power were yet to issue an advisory at the time of publication.
The Ruiru incident came hours after the Kenya Metrological Department issued an advisory warning to Nairobi Metropolitan residents over heavy rainfall to be experienced till Saturday, April 29.
"Residents are advised to avoid driving through, or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes.
"The strong winds may blow off roofs, uproot trees and cause structural damages. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes," Kenya Met.
