Riots rock Nairobi City

By Cyrus Ombati

Police engaged students in running battles along Nairobi’s Uhuru Highway as the protest over the lecturers’ strike started biting harder.

After hours of skirmishes the officers restored security and deployed heavily armed officers to guard the highways and allow for safe passage of passengers and motorists.

Officers were deployed at round abouts and long avenues to keep off the protesting students who were demnding that their lecturers resume lessons immediately.

Earlier, Anti-riot police were called in to try and save motorists and pedestrians from attacks by the students who engaged in unruly acts.

The officers lobbed teargas canisters on the rioters as they battled with stone throwing students who attacked and robbed innocent motorists.

 

The riots caused a major traffic snarl-up in the city streets as rioters turned their anger on members of the public looting, harassing and even beating them up.

 

Several motorists were caught unawares and missed appointments as they were held in traffic jam along Parliament Road, Haile Selassie Avenue, Langata Road, Valley Road, University Way, Nyerere Road and Kenyatta Avenue among others.

 

Traffic ground to a halt between Nyayo Stadium and Museum Hill  fly-over as police and students engaged in hide and seek games for a good part of the afternoon.