Smoke, barricades as fuel protests hit Thika Highway

Motorists were on Monday morning forced to manoeuvre through barricaded sections of the Thika Superhighway service lane as bonfires were lit ahead of the planned fuel protests.

The protests, sparked by rising fuel prices, caused tension and slowed movement along parts of the busy highway as early as dawn.

Burning tyres and stones were placed across the road, blocking sections of the service lane and forcing drivers to carefully navigate through narrow openings left between the barricades.

Images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising into the air as flames burned on the roadside.

A number of motorists and drivers of private vehicles were seen cautiously making their way past the barricades to avoid being stranded.

Some motorists slowed down significantly while approaching the blocked sections, with others turning back to avoid the area altogether.

The demonstrations are expected to affect transport operations in different parts of the city as protesters demand action over the rising pump prices.

At the scene, bonfires continued to burn along the road as smoke covered parts of the highway.

A few people were spotted near the barricades while vehicles moved cautiously around the blocked sections.

The situation created uncertainty for commuters heading to work early in the morning.

The Thika Superhighway, one of the country’s busiest roads, is a major route connecting Nairobi to surrounding areas.

Any disruption along the highway often leads to delays and heavy traffic build-up, especially during peak hours.