Protests break out along Naivasha Road, William Ruto 2022 posters burnt with tyres

Protests erupted along Naivasha Road, Friday morning, as traders demonstrated against the demolition of business structures - vibandas - along the busy highway in Kawangware area.

Police were called to the scene where they attempted to disperse the crowds with teargas.

Posters from President William Ruto's 2022 presidential campaign were also lit on fire and scattered across the road along with bonfires of tyres barricading the road.

Protesters gathering along Naivasha Road on Friday May 26, 2023 morning ahead of demonstrations against the demolition of business structures [Photo: Damaris Mugo] Protesters gathering along Naivasha Road on Friday May 26, 2023 morning ahead of demonstrations against the demolition of business structures [Photo: Damaris Mugo] Pulse Live Kenya

Motorists were unable to access the road for a larger part of Friday as the protesters aimed to reach Nairobi CBD to air their grievances against the Nairobi County Government.

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Demolitions along Gitanga Road & Naivasha Road

Similar protests broke out in January 2022 along Gitanga Road disrupting business and travel. At the time, residents and traders were protesting the poor state of the road as well as drainage systems.

The then-Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati is said to have facilitated repairs on sections of the road.

In recent weeks, Nairobi City County erected a tent along Gitanga Road where officials presumably engaged with Kawangware residents on matters that need to be improved in the area.

Their presence was soon followed by the clearance of heaps of garbage disposed along the road as well as the demolition of structures that are said to have encroached on road reserves.

READ: Protest breaks out in Kawangware over poor state of roads [Video]

Regular users of the two connected roads have in the past reported poor drainage, especially during the rainy seasons.