Normal activities amid roadblocks in Mt Kenya

It was business as usual in Central Kenya as businesses remained open and children attended school in the face of heavy police presence.

In contrast to scenes witnessed last week, where public service vehicles were on strike and bus terminus turned into playgrounds, the vehicles conducted business as usual with passengers and goods transported across the region.

Only matatus plying Nyeri to Nairobi route was disrupted by the protests. Nyena Sacco chairman Peter Theuri said matatu industry is losing millions of shillings due to demonstrations.

He said most drivers ferrying passengers from Nyeri to the capital were afraid that demonstrators could torch their vehicles.

“On a normal day, we have over 50 vehicles in Nyena Sacco carrying passengers to Nairobi whereas 2nk Sacco’s have over 200 matatus and over 100 for the 4nt Sacco, today there were no matatus that travelled to Nairobi, the industry is losing billions in revenue and parcel delivery has been inconvenienced,“ he said.

In Nyeri town, as early as 6am, there was heavy police presence on major roads, inspecting cars amid fear of protests.

Over 15 police manned roadblocks were mounted from Kenol in Murang'a to all the way to Timau in Meru.

The officers said they were under instructions to inspect vehicles as they could be used to ferry crowds that would participate in demonstrations and destruction of properties.

Other police officers, including anti-riot police were seen patrolling different towns and dispersing any groups.

Alex Mwangi, a businessman, said the atmosphere in town was peaceful, and traders should continue opening their shops.

"Since morning business was good, and there is nothing to be afraid of because Nyeri town is peaceful," he said.

Murang'a Shuttle and MTN Sacco led in public transport, ferrying tens of travellers from Murang'a and Kirinyaga counties.

Martin Kangangi and Peter Kaburi, the management officials in the Murang’a shuttle, said they were in business after the government assured them of security.

“We have a fleet of vehicles transporting passengers since morning to and from Nairobi,” said Kangangi.

 [Amos Kiarie, Boniface Gikandi, Purity Mwangi and Timothy Kariuki]