Tensions flared in Embu town after boda boda operators engaged in a standoff with police officers following the arrest of one of their senior leaders.
The protest was sparked by the detention of the Kirimari SACCO Treasurer, who was reportedly arrested on the night of Sunday, July 28, by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Details surrounding the reasons for his arrest remain unclear, as authorities have not issued any official explanation or statement regarding the incident. The lack of communication has only fueled anger and speculation among the riders.
By early Tuesday morning, July 29, the situation had escalated, with furious boda boda riders taking to the streets. They lit bonfires and hurled stones to block major sections of the Embu–Kiritiri road, particularly near the court roundabout, causing heavy traffic disruption and bringing business in the area to a standstill.
Long queues of vehicles stretched along the affected routes, with motorists stuck and unable to move due to the barricades. The riders, chanting slogans and carrying placards, demanded the immediate release of their arrested colleague, calling the arrest unjust and oppressive.
Photos and videos circulating on social media and local news platforms, including Kenyans.co.ke, showed visibly enraged riders waving handwritten signs that read “Free Our Leader” and “We Want Justice,” as smoke from the bonfires billowed through the streets.
As the protest intensified, local shop owners shut down their businesses for fear of looting or escalation of violence.
Despite the heavy tension, there were no confirmed reports of injuries, arrests, or direct confrontations turning violent as of the latest updates.
Authorities urged motorists to steer clear of the Embu–Kiritiri stretch and seek alternative routes while the situation remained volatile.
This isn’t the first time Embu’s boda boda riders have taken to the streets. On July 8, they staged a similar protest, blocking the Embu–Meru highway after another arrest incident.
In yet another instance in Mlolongo along Mombasa Road, riders paralyzed traffic after lighting fires on the highway, prompting intervention by police forces.
The recurring nature of these protests highlights growing tension between the boda boda community and law enforcement, with concerns mounting over how such situations are handled and communicated to the public.
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