Traffic along Ngong Road, near Prestige Plaza in Nairobi, was brought to a standstill after matatu operators staged a protest against alleged harassment by police officers.
The operators blocked the busy road, accusing police of physically assaulting a conductor who serves vehicles on the Kibera route. The incident sparked outrage among the crew, who said it was not the first time such harassment had taken place.
According to the protesters, police officers in the area have on several occasions targeted matatu workers, subjecting them to intimidation and brutality. They argued that the latest assault was the tipping point, forcing them to take to the streets to air their grievances.
The protest caused heavy traffic snarl-ups along the route as commuters were left stranded.
Reports indicate that similar complaints of harassment by police officers have been raised in other parts of the country, with public service vehicle operators calling on authorities to address the matter urgently.
Police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
