Nairobi-Nakuru highway closed as residents hold protests

Residents block the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

Transport along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway has been paralysed after residents blocked it to protest the invasion of their farms by herders.

The over 200 area residents and farmers have blocked the road near Kikopey town leading to a major traffic jam.

Trouble started two days ago when the herders attacked and injured two women who were protesting the invasion of their farms by livestock.

In retaliation, the farmers slashed several cows forcing police to intervene as tension hit the area.

Things however deteriorated today with reports that several homes in Kiamolo village had been raided forcing the farmers to hold the demonstration.

Gilgil OCPD John Ondit has confirmed the incident adding that police officers have been dispatched to the area to restore security and also clear the highway.

"We have officers on the highway and in the farms trying to restore peace and open the closed highway," he said.