Fresh protests erupted in Roysambu on Friday today, as residents blocked key roads, including Lumumba Drive, and lit bonfires, demanding urgent intervention from the Nairobi County Government over worsening road conditions.
Anti-riot police were quickly deployed to disperse the crowd, firing tear gas as tensions escalated between demonstrators and law enforcement.
These protests follow similar unrest last week, when residents also took to the streets, decrying the poor state of the roads, which have been further deteriorated by heavy rains.
Potholes, flooding, and inadequate drainage have rendered key roads nearly impassable, bringing business and daily life in the area to a standstill.
“We’ve been raising these concerns for years, but nothing has been done. The rains have made it worse, and now the situation is unbearable. Our businesses are suffering, and commuters are stuck,” said Daniel Maina, a local boda boda operator.
Business owners along Lumumba Drive have also voiced their frustrations, with many reporting a drop in sales and safety concerns due to the hazardous conditions. Martin Wamaitha, a shop owner, lamented, “Traffic congestion is worse, and the roads are dangerous. We’ve seen accidents, and even pedestrians, especially children, are struggling to navigate these flooded streets.”
The protests have highlighted the severe safety risks posed by the deteriorating infrastructure. Motorists report more accidents due to hidden potholes filled with rainwater, while pedestrians, including school children, face difficulties navigating flooded streets.
Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Wanjiru has pledged to escalate the issue to the office of Governor Johnson Sakaja. “We cannot continue ignoring the plight of our people. Infrastructure development must become a priority, especially in high-traffic areas like Roysambu,” Wanjiru said.
Residents are demanding immediate emergency road patching, better drainage systems, and a long-term plan for road rehabilitation.
