NAIROBI (Kaab TV) – Transport along the Mwingi–Garissa highway in Kenya has been brought to a standstill after passenger vehicles and cargo trucks were stranded when rogue groups blocked the road following a series of attacks, forcing bus companies to suspend services between Garissa and Nairobi.
Kenyan security officials said the disruption was triggered by unrest linked to clashes between pastoralists and farmers, which has since escalated into an ethnic conflict.
Hundreds of travellers remained stranded for a second day on Wednesday as the disruption to transport continued, according to affected passengers and local residents.
The latest violence began on Tuesday afternoon following the killing of a 16-year-old boy in the Nguni area. The motive for the killing was not immediately clear.
Residents gathered along the highway and attacked vehicles, forcing several motorists to seek refuge at nearby police stations.
Police officers were deployed to escort vehicles through the affected stretch. However, by Wednesday, the situation remained tense, with many road users opting to park their vehicles for fear of further attacks.
Most shops in the affected area and in Mwingi town remained closed as residents reported widespread fear of renewed violence.
Kenyan police said on Wednesday that additional security personnel had been deployed to help restore order.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri linked the violence to an escalating cycle of revenge attacks involving members of the Kamba and Somali communities.
According to the National Police Service, the violence dates back to 29 March 2026, when a 44-year-old Kamba herdsman was killed near the Mwingi Game Reserve.
Police described the killings as “senseless and needless,” warning that the cycle of retaliatory attacks must stop immediately. Authorities said investigations into all the incidents would be conducted thoroughly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Local residents linked the latest killing to a similar incident on Saturday in the Kwa Kamari area that left seven villagers dead.
During the protests, demonstrators stoned vehicles and used boulders to block the highway for several hours. Police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
Tensions remained high on Wednesday as police continued efforts to clear the road and restore the free flow of traffic.
Police said investigations into the killing of the teenager are ongoing.
The unrest comes amid rising tensions along the highway since Sunday following the killing of seven people.
Authorities have called for restraint and urged community leaders to promote peace and reconciliation.