Chaos on Jogoo Road as pupils barricade road in demo – PHOTOS
Transport was paralysed on Jogoo Road on Wednesday after pupils from St Anne’s Primary School barricaded it to protest the knocking down of a volunteer who helps them to cross the busy road.
The learners claimed that a bus belonging to Embassava Sacco hit and injured Mr Martin Luganji on Tuesday morning.
They also demanded justice for one of their schoolmates, a Standard Four pupil, who was knocked down by a motorcycle at the same spot Wednesday morning as they demonstrated against the Tuesday incident, saying that it was not the first time a pupil had been injured on the road.
The pupils chanted “No bumps, no learning!” as they turned away motorists attempting to use the road, demanding that the authorities erect speed bumps on the road to help in preventing injuries and deaths.
Residents also accused motorists of ignoring road signs and driving at high speeds, often knocking down and even killing pedestrians crossing the road. They called on the government to designate the stretch as a blackspot.
Speaking at the scene of the demonstrations, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero assured the pupils and residents that the county government would erect speed bumps on the road before the end of the day and also later build a footbridge to cater for the pupils and the nearby market.
Dr Kidero also said he would make sure the county assembly passes a by-law requiring all public service vehicle drivers to be tested annually to ascertain their suitability to drive.
He added that he would also ensure county askaris are stationed at the blackspot to prevent more deaths.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said his ministry would work with the county government to avert such incidents. He also promised to develop a plan to turn the school into a boarding institution.