The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has condemned what it describes as the paralysis of transport on major highways following the mounting of roadblocks by police on Thursday morning.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, the association accused the Kenya Police Service (KPS) of mounting what it termed as illegal roadblocks that have restricted the free movement of citizens along key transport corridors, including Kangemi, Githurai, Mlolongo, and Athi River.
MAK said the situation has left thousands of commuters stranded, warning that Nairobi’s role as a national transport and transit hub makes such disruptions far-reaching and harmful to the entire country.
The association also criticized assurances previously given by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that normal operations would continue, arguing that the situation on the ground contradicted those assurances.
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MAK Demands Immediate Removal of Nairobi Roadblocks, Cites Constitutional Violations
MAK said the restrictions have affected many commuters, including patients seeking medical care, individuals attending court sessions, and workers and traders who rely on daily access to Nairobi for their livelihoods.
It further accused police officers of using excessive force against unarmed civilians, including tear gas, water cannons, and firearms to disperse motorists and commuters attempting to access the capital.
The association termed the roadblocks unconstitutional, citing Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence. It insisted that police had no legal basis to turn away law-abiding citizens exercising their fundamental rights.
“The current blockade of roads is a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Kenya, Bill of Rights, Article 39, which guarantees every citizen the freedom of movement and residence,” MAK said.
“The police have no legal basis to turn back law-abiding Kenyans who are exercising their fundamental rights.”
MAK issued a series of demands to the government, calling for the immediate removal of all roadblocks at major entry points into Nairobi, including Kangemi, Githurai, Mlolongo, and Athi River, as well as other affected corridors.
It further called on the Judiciary, through the Chief Justice, to intervene and ensure accountability for what it described as constitutional violations.
At the same time, MAK demanded an explanation from the Interior Ministry over the deployment of officers despite earlier assurances that normalcy would prevail.
“Accountability from the CS Interior: We demand an explanation from CS Kipchumba Murkomen on why the very officers have disregarded his assurances of yesterday under his ministry,” MAK said.
The association maintained that the ongoing restrictions amount to an infringement of constitutional rights and warned that continued disruption of transport networks undermines both economic activity and public safety.
Major roads connecting to the capital were barricaded from the early hours of Thursday morning as Kenyans planned to take to the streets for the commemoration of victims killed in the June 25 anti-government protests in 2024 and 2025.
Commuters were left stranded after security forces blocked access to the city centre, while many businesses and schools remained closed.
Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli said roadblocks were set up to prevent criminals or weapons from entering the city, adding that the country remained calm and citizens were going about their daily activities without disruption.
“There are no blocked roads. We are just ensuring the safety of Kenyans. We are checking if they are carrying weapons,” said Masengeli in a media interview.
“I am grateful because there are no vehicles being burnt and people are going about their work,” he added.
Roadblocks were reported on Thika Road (Roysambu), Mombasa Road (near JKIA), Waiyaki Way (Kinoo, Kangemi, and Westlands), and in Rongai (at MMU), forcing motorists to turn back.
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