The Motorists Association of Kenya on April 11, 2026, issued a red alert warning after the Southern Bypass was blocked at Kikuyu, causing a complete halt of traffic in both directions.

The association said the disruption was caused by suspected political goons and described the incident as sabotage in a post shared on X.

The group tagged the National Police Service (@NPSOfficial_KE), calling for immediate intervention to restore order along the key transport corridor. Images shared online showed burning tyres and debris on sections of the road, with commuters stranded as traffic ground to a halt near the Thogoto and Gitaru areas.

“RED ALERT Southern Bypass has been blocked by political goons at Kikuyu. No movement of vehicles on both sides. @NPSOfficial_KE This is sabotage.”

Reports indicated that the blockage affected both inbound and outbound traffic, forcing motorists to abandon vehicles in some sections while others remained stuck for hours.

Traffic disruption along Southern Bypass

The incident caused major disruption along the Southern Bypass, one of Nairobi’s busiest transport routes linking key residential and commercial zones. Heavy vehicles, private cars and public service vehicles were affected as movement was completely blocked.

Motorists reported delays stretching several kilometres, with some vehicles unable to access alternative routes due to congestion. The association maintained that urgent response was required to prevent further disruption to transport and logistics operations in the area.

The National Police Service had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.

Political context surrounding Kikuyu rally

The disruption occurred on the same day former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was scheduled to hold a political rally in Kikuyu Constituency under his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), with the event set for the afternoon of April 11, 2026.

The incident comes amid heightened political exchanges between political leaders in the region, including a letter dated April 10, 2026, from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

The letter raised concerns over security arrangements in Kikuyu ahead of the rally and referenced previous incidents of unrest and property damage in the constituency.

Ichung’wah cited past destruction of public offices and private property in 2024 and 2025, and called for enhanced police deployment to safeguard residents and infrastructure.

He also pointed to intelligence reports indicating planned mobilisation of groups from several counties converging in Kikuyu.

Gachagua’s camp responded with its own communication to the Inspector General, raising concerns over possible disruption of the rally and calling for security protection to ensure the event proceeds without interference.

Public safety and transport impact

The Southern Bypass blockage affected commuters and transport operations along a key corridor connecting Nairobi and surrounding regions. Motorists advised the use of alternative routes as clearance efforts continued.

The Motorists Association stated that critical infrastructure should not be disrupted during political activities, noting the impact on daily travel and commercial movement.