Several arrested on Kamiti Road as police clear barricades during fuel price protests/SCREENGRABSeveral protesters have been arrested along Kamiti Road off the Thika Superhighway after police moved in to disperse groups that attempted to block the busy transport corridor amid ongoing demonstrations linked to high fuel prices.
The arrests were made after sections of the road were reportedly barricaded using bonfires and large poles placed across the carriageway, effectively disrupting traffic flow and limiting the movement of vehicles.
Thick smoke from burnt materials could be seen rising from the middle of the road as security officers moved in to restore order.
The arrested individuals were escorted into a waiting police vehicle at the rear of the scene.
At the same time, other officers worked to clear debris from the road, including burning remnants and wooden poles that had been used to obstruct traffic.
Despite the disruption, some motorcycles were still seen cautiously crossing parts of the affected stretch as the operation continued.
The situation on Kamiti Road reflected wider disruptions witnessed in several parts of the country, where protests and transport sector strikes have affected normal operations.
In some areas, commuters were left stranded as public transport operators stayed off the roads, leading to what has been described as a near paralysis of transport services.
The demonstrations, which have been largely driven by public anger over rising fuel prices, have in some instances escalated into confrontations with police and disruptions of key transport routes.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) earlier announced that 710 individuals had been arrested following Monday’s nationwide demonstrations, which were linked to unrest over fuel price increases.
The agency warned that any criminal activity committed during the protests would be met with firm legal action.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DCI cautioned the public against turning demonstrations into violent and criminal activities.
“While every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, destruction of property, attacks on police or motorists, and any acts that endanger lives are serious criminal offences,” the agency said.
According to the DCI, investigations into the demonstrations are ongoing, with arrests reported across several regions of the country.
The agency said Rift Valley recorded the highest number of arrests at 259, followed by Nairobi with 189 suspects.
Central region registered 142 arrests, Eastern recorded 103, while Western and Coast regions recorded 10 and seven arrests respectively.
“Many of these suspects have already been arraigned today in court on various charges,” the statement added.
Security agencies have since intensified operations in key hotspots, including major highways and urban points, to prevent further disruption.
