Southern Bypass Blocked with Burning Tyres Ahead of Rigathi Gachagua’s Visit

Motorists using the Southern Bypass in Nairobi faced major disruption on April 11, 2026, after the road was blocked near Kikuyu. The incident brought traffic to a complete standstill in both directions, leaving many commuters stranded.

According to the Motorists Association of Kenya, the blockage was allegedly caused by suspected political groups. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the association described the situation as an act of sabotage and called for urgent action from the National Police Service.

Photos circulating online showed burning tyres and debris placed across the road, especially around the Thogoto and Gitaru areas. As a result, vehicles could not move, and some drivers were forced to abandon their cars while others remained stuck for hours.

Heavy Traffic Disruption on Southern Bypass

The Southern Bypass is one of Nairobi’s most important roads, connecting several residential and business areas. The blockage caused serious traffic jams, affecting private cars, public service vehicles, and trucks.

Many motorists reported long delays stretching for several kilometres. Some drivers tried to use alternative routes, but these quickly became overcrowded, making the situation worse.

The Motorists Association emphasized the need for a quick response from authorities to restore normal traffic flow and avoid further inconvenience, especially for businesses relying on transport.

By the time of reporting, the National Police Service had not released an official statement regarding the incident. However, many Kenyans online called for immediate intervention to clear the road and ensure safety.

Incident Linked to Political Rally

The road blockage happened on the same day former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was expected to attend a political rally in Kikuyu Constituency. The rally, organized under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), was scheduled for later in the day.

Tension has been rising in the area ahead of the event. A day earlier, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja expressing security concerns.

In the letter, Ichung’wah warned about possible unrest, citing past cases of property destruction in 2024 and 2025. He also mentioned intelligence reports suggesting that groups from different countries could gather in Kikuyu.

On the other hand, Gachagua’s team also raised concerns about possible interference with the rally. They urged the police to provide enough security to ensure the event takes place peaceful