Passengers stranded in monstrous Mombasa-Nairobi road traffic snarl up
An unknown number of motorists and passengers have since Thursday night been stuck in a huge traffic on the Mombasa-Nairobi road.
Hilary Kimuyu, a Nairobi News reporter says their bus got stuck at the Samburu area (near Mariakani) since 11pm, Thursday. By 6:30am, they had not moved an inch.
“Our bus has not been moving since 11 pm. The main road is not also moving. No bus has reached Nairobi or Mombasa since last night,” he said.
The huge snarl up has been blamed on road works in the area where motorists have to use a diversion, with many cars getting stuck due to a heavy downpour.
As at press time (midday, Friday), there was no let up. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) acknowledged the situation asking motorists and passengers to be a little patient.
SOCIAL MEDIA RANT
“Traffic snarl up at Taru, Samburu along the Mombasa – Nairobi Highway. We kindly request the public and motorists to be patient,” tweeted the authority on Friday.
“Cooperate with the police and traffic marshalls on the ground as they unlock the traffic snarl up.”
Frustrated road users took to social media to rant about the situation. A Twitter user (@kristykristie) said:
“Where are the police officers in Taru? Been stuck near Mariakani since 5.30am &. Still @ a standstill. Can we have help please,” while (@alichilumo1) said “Road works the cause of jam from mcknn rd to mariakani on msa rd. Contractor disorganised.nkt”
Timothy mutwiri (@tkisungi50) wondered: “What is happening in mariakani on your way to Mombasa, passengers are stuck from 6am,” with (@Alfred_Odira) adding, “Thousands of travelers held all night long, daylight &still counting, in traffic jam along Mariakani-Taveta highway.”
