Transport disrupted as buses cancel Nairobi–Garissa route following unrest.

Residents of Mwingi barricade the busy Nairobi-Garissa road in Mwingi town. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

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Transport along the busy Garissa–Nairobi highway was brought to a standstill on Wednesday after violent attacks on passenger buses at Ukasi sparked fear and forced operators to suspend services.

The chaos is linked to retaliatory violence following the killing of seven people in Tseikuru, allegedly by pastoralists said to have been on a revenge mission.

Panic gripped travellers as buses plying the Garissa–Mwingi route came under attack from stone-throwing youths. Witnesses said some vehicles had their windows shattered, with videos showing drivers speeding off as windscreens were smashed.

Several buses fled to safety at Mwingi and Nguuni police stations before being escorted out of danger.

The situation quickly escalated, with protesters lighting bonfires and blocking the highway using stones, paralysing transport as they demanded justice for those killed. There were unconfirmed reports that one more person may have died in the retaliatory violence.

In Nguuni, residents barricaded the road, prompting running battles with police. Officers were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse the crowds as hundreds of protesters poured into the town demanding answers.

Amid the unrest, reports emerged of looting and widespread destruction, with businesses said to be owned by members of the Somali community targeted. Images shared online showed shops being broken into and goods stolen, while many businesses remained shut over fears of further attacks.

In Mwingi, the Somali community runs a significant number of enterprises, including hotels, fuel stations and retail shops.

Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun Mohamed, who was caught up in the melee, urged travellers to exercise caution.

"The Garissa-Mwingi road is not safe; travellers are advised to park at the nearest police station as we monitor the situation. Let's call for peace and reduce tension,” she said.

The deteriorating security situation forced bus companies to halt operations. Pacific Coach Ltd announced the suspension of all Wednesday departures between Nairobi and Garissa.

“We wish to inform our customers that this applies to all services from Nairobi to Garissa and from Garissa to Nairobi,” the company said, adding that passenger safety remains a top priority.

Authorities had not issued an official statement by Wednesday evening, even as leaders from both Somali and Kamba communities traded blame, warning the unrest could spiral if left unchecked.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arraigned a Garissa-based politician over a viral video allegedly inciting ethnic violence. She is currently being held at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi.

With tensions still high, uncertainty hangs over one of the region’s key transport corridors.