Hundreds stranded after attacks disrupt transport along Garissa–Mwingi highway
The highway serves as a critical transport corridor linking Nairobi to Garissa and the wider North Eastern as well as the Coast region.
Hundreds of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday April 28, after transport operations along the busy Garissa–Mwingi highway were abruptly suspended following violent attacks targeting public service vehicles.
The highway serves as a critical transport corridor linking Nairobi to Garissa and the wider North Eastern as well as the Coast region, making the disruption a major concern for both travelers and businesses that rely on the route.
According to eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online, the attackers hurled stones at moving vehicles, shattering windshields and side windows. Passengers onboard could be heard screaming, with some reportedly injured after being struck by debris.
The violence prompted transport operators to halt services along the route, citing serious safety concerns. As a result, many passengers were left stranded at various points along the highway, uncertain about when normal operations would resume.
Among those affected was nominated Member of Parliament Umulkheir Harun, who issued a public warning urging travelers to exercise extreme caution. “We are currently stranded. Please, if you are coming from Nairobi or Garissa, exercise extreme caution,” she said.
The legislator further advised passengers to delay their journeys and wait for official clearance from security agencies before proceeding, underscoring the unpredictability of the situation.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions in Kitui County, where recent clashes between members of the Kamba and Somali communities left several people dead raising fears of a cycle of retaliatory violence.
In response, the National Police Service has called for calm and restraint among residents as it urged members of the public to avoid actions or rhetoric that could inflame tensions.