Deserted stretch of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway in Mlolongo on August 8 .IMAGE | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Heavy police presence has led to deserted streets and closed shops in towns like Mlolongo, Kitengela, and Machakos.
- Key roads, including the Nairobi-Expressway and Machakos-Kangundo route, are under strict surveillance with some roads barricaded, disrupting normal traffic.
The Nairobi-Expressway and key towns in Machakos and Kajiado counties are under heavy police surveillance and patrols as anticipation grows for the upcoming Nane Nane national protests.
Most traders in towns such as Mlolongo, Kyumbi, and Machakos have closed their shops, with police patrolling the deserted streets.
Athi River East Subcounty Police Commander Anderson Mbae confirmed that more police officers have been deployed in the area than ever before.
“We have more police deployment today along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway than ever; the situation is calm as of now,” Mbae stated on Thursday.
He also mentioned that security measures are in place to maintain normalcy as Kenyans go about their daily activities.
A similar scenario has been observed in Kitengela, Kajiado County, where police presence has led to deserted roads and closed businesses.
The usually busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway was found to be quieter than usual, with few motorists using the route.
In Machakos town, heavy police patrols have led to road closures, including a road connecting Machakos to Kangundo, which has been barricaded at the Garden Hotel area.
A police officer at a barricaded road to Machakos State Lodge, August 8, 2024.IMAGE | Courtesy
This has forced the few motorists entering the town to seek alternative routes, disrupting normal traffic flow across Machakos County.
The situation has also affected public transportation, with most public service vehicles avoiding Mombasa Road and other routes within the county.