DCI Urged to Act as Motorists Raise Alarm Over Insecurity on Kenya’s Major Highways
Motorists are calling for urgent security intervention after a series of reported attacks on major highways raised fresh concerns over the safety of drivers and passengers travelling across the country.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service (NPS) are facing growing calls to step up patrols following reports of attacks along the Kisumu-Busia highway and the Nairobi Expressway.
The latest alarm was raised by a driver travelling from Kisumu towards Busia, who claimed that he was attacked near Maseno on Friday morning.
According to the motorist, a group of youths allegedly struck and shattered his vehicle’s windscreen before pursuing him while armed with pangas and rungus.
“Those who are coming from Kisumu heading to Busia, be careful. There are some youths around the Maseno area. They have hit and broken my windscreen as I was heading home. They then began following me with pangas and rungus,” the driver said.
The account has triggered concern among motorists who regularly use the busy Kisumu-Busia route, particularly those travelling during the night.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) has separately warned its members about security risks along the route, urging drivers to exercise caution.
In a social media statement, the association called on motorists to avoid the highway after dark where possible and urged the NPS and DCI to intensify patrols.
“The Kisumu-Busia route is worse, especially at night. Drivers, if possible, avoid this route at night. NPS and the DCI should increase their patrols,” the association stated.
Nairobi Expressway robbery sparks fresh concerns
The concerns have extended beyond western Kenya following a separate reported robbery on the Nairobi Expressway.
A video circulating on social media appears to show a group of men approaching vehicles on the expressway and allegedly targeting motorists.
In the footage, the men are seen stopping one vehicle before reportedly moving towards another.
The suspects are said to have fled the area in a vehicle following the reported incidents.
The footage has prompted questions from motorists about how such an incident could allegedly take place on a controlled-access highway, where drivers would ordinarily expect heightened security.
However, the circumstances surrounding the video and the identities of those involved have not been independently established.
Motorists demand answers
The reported incidents have renewed calls for authorities to reassure motorists and passengers who depend on Kenya’s major highways for business, family travel and long-distance transport.
For long-distance drivers, the concerns are particularly serious because many journeys take place late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
Motorists are now urging the police and investigative authorities to increase patrols, investigate reports of attacks and take action against individuals found responsible.
The DCI has been specifically urged to investigate the reported incidents and establish whether the cases are connected or represent separate criminal incidents.
As concerns continue to circulate among motorists, there has been no immediate public response from the police service addressing the specific allegations outlined above.
Drivers have consequently called for greater visibility of security officers along major highways, arguing that a stronger police presence could help deter criminals and restore confidence among road users.
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