The Monday morning commute along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway turned into a grueling standoff as hundreds of boda boda operators paralyzed one of Kenya’s busiest arteries.

What began as a local grievance over potholes in Mlolongo escalated into a massive traffic snarl-up that left motorists stranded for hours near the exit of the Nairobi Expressway.

The unrest ignited around 9am, fueled by riders from Mlolongo, Syokimau, Sabaki, and Kappa.

The operators, frustrated by the “pathetic” state of local roads, specifically the Gossip–Mlolongo Phase 3 and sections of the Mlolongo–Police Road, decided to take their message to the main highway.

Using a barricade of motorcycles, heavy stones, and even movable market stalls, they effectively choked off the flow of vehicles, forcing many local businesses to shutter their doors in fear of looting.

As the gridlock stretched for kilometers, a heavy security contingent led by Athi River Deputy County Commissioner Otieno Odidi and local police commanders arrived to restore order.

The situation grew tense as officers were forced to thwart a daring attempt by the riders to storm the Nairobi Expressway.

It took effort from multiple police stations, including reinforcements from Kitengela and Syokimau, to finally push the protesters off the tarmac.

By 1pm, the highway was cleared and the roar of engines replaced the chants of the protesters.