Chaos has broken out on Jogoo Road after protesters took to the streets, rendering the busy highway impassable to motorists.
In videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, bonfires can be seen burning in the middle of the road, blocking vehicles from passing.
According to reports, the protesters are residents of the Makongeni estate opposing planned evictions by the Nairobi City County to build affordable housing projects in the area.
The Sikika Road Safety team has also warned that some young people were taking advantage of the protests and robbing motorists stuck in traffic near City Stadium.
"As of now, avoid Jogoo Road; we repeat, avoid it towards City Stadium, people are breaking car windows using stones and robbing motorists. National Police Service, a serious backup is needed now," Sikika warned.
Police officers have also been spotted on the scene trying to quell the protests, even as motorists remain stuck on the road.
Notably, this is not the first time Makongeni residents have protested over the impending evictions and demolitions.
On July 2, the residents protested against what they termed as rushed and opaque evictions from their houses to pave the way for a government-backed affordable housing project after they woke up to officials counting their homes.
“We woke up to find officials counting households without any prior notice. No one has explained where we are going or what we are getting in return," one of the residents stated.
"They say we'll be compensated, but no clear figures. We've heard rumours of Ksh150,000, but that's not even enough to rent in Nairobi."
The residents, many of whom are descendants of former Kenya Railways Corporation employees, claimed that they were blindsided by an enumeration exercise meant to identify beneficiaries and prepare for relocation.
The Makongeni Residents Association claimed that the community was neither properly informed nor consulted about the process. by
