Residents Block Thika Road at Witeithie Over Kidnapping Fears
Normal operations along the Thika Super Highway were disrupted on Wednesday, January 14, after residents in Witeithie, Kiambu County, blocked the road. They protested the rising number of kidnappings in the area.
Rising Kidnappings Spark Anger
According to locals, three children were allegedly abducted over the past month. Most recently, a Grade 8 girl was reportedly taken on Tuesday, January 13, by unknown individuals in a black vehicle. Consequently, the community staged the road blockade to demand urgent government action.
Traffic Comes to a Standstill
Photos and videos circulating online showed traffic at a complete standstill. Residents used stones and burning tires to block the highway. Meanwhile, no law enforcement officers were immediately deployed to restore order. As a result, motorists faced severe delays along one of Kenya’s busiest corridors.
Authorities Yet to Respond
Furthermore, security agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), have not issued updates or confirmed the reported kidnappings. Therefore, residents feel ignored and frustrated. Previously, in September 2024, Juja residents blocked the same highway to protest hyena attacks after a four-year-old boy was killed.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
The protests coincided with a highway accident near GSU Headquarters on Monday, January 16, involving a lorry and a 14-seater PSV. Consequently, drivers had to divert via Kiambu Road, then the Northern Bypass, before rejoining Thika Road at Ruiru.
Residents Demand Action
Locals insist the government must act swiftly to protect children and restore safety. They argue that compensation alone does not solve the problem. Therefore, they urge authorities to implement concrete measures to prevent further kidnappings and ensure law and order along Thika Super Highway.
