Motorists spend the night in cold as two lorries block Nairobi-Mombasa highway

Nairobi, Kenya: Several motorists spent their Sunday night along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway following a heavy traffic jam that was caused by the breakdown of two lorries.

One of the lorries was involved in a minor accident while the second one broke down on the road with luggage in Athi River area, police said.

The jam continued to stretch Monday morning on the Machakos side and some motorists said they had run out of fuel.

A victim, Kena Claude said he was in a bus from Mombasa and they had been stuck in Malili area in Machakos since 10 pm on Sunday.

“We have been here since 10 pm and please tell police to come and clear this mess. I am also informed many buses that were leaving Nairobi for Mombasa did not make it,” said Claude at about 7.30 am on Monday.

Police explained many motorists were impatient and were partially to blame for the situation.

 “The situation was worsened by heavy rains that were experienced in the area and indiscipline amongst motorists who were impatient and eager to overlap to nowhere,” said Machakos County police Commander Gideon Amalla.

Amalla said more police officers and a crane were taken to the area to clear the mess that affected many people’s plans.

He added some of the vehicles that were trying to overlap were stuck in the mud worsening the situation.

“Many other vehicles broke down in the process. Even police have not slept while trying to make things alright.”

Police asked motorists to avoid the route for hours as they cleared the mess.

Other motorists who called the newsroom said it was a shame that they could spend their nights there in this era.

“What are supposed to think of when we can be let to sleep in buses because of such a small mishap? Shame on us,” said a caller.