KIAMBU TRADERS PROTEST STALL DEMOLITION, INTERRUPT TRAFFIC IN THIKA ROAD

Ruiru Traffic Police officers yesterday morning had a tough time this morning as the irate traders in Ruiru blocked the Thika Superhighway, causing some heavy traffic which went all the way to Thika Town from Ruiru. The irate traders were protesting about the demolition and the burning down of their stalls allegedly by the Kiambu County authorities.

The traders have accused the demolishers of doing it behind their backs as they arrived at around 9:00pm when everyone had gone home.

 Thika sub-county traffic base commander William Uhuru has said that he is at the ground together with his officers trying to calm the situation which has gone out of control as the traders have burnt tires and laced huge blocks along the road.

Speaking from the Juja weighbridge, Uhuru has said that they are doing all they can to see that the motorist and mostly pedestrians arrive safely to their respective destinations.

He added that the lane heading to Thika town is the most affected by the traffic congestion and confirmed that they have been able to secure the Thika-Nairobi lane and the traders have been controlled by the anti-riot police from closing the other lane.

Ruiru OCPD Isaac Thuranira, through a phone call, has said that the demolitions were aimed at an operation for flashing out criminals from the area and added that the police are aware that the Railway area and the stalls have been the hiding dens for the criminals in the area.

He added that the traders should calm down and give the police do their work as the stalls are not permanent and that they can construct others after the police flash out criminals.

No leader has arrived at the scene at the moment.