Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has taken to social media to urge Kenyans to celebrate in moderation while adhering to the law. His message, which comes as the country prepares for Christmas and New Year festivities, emphasizes peace, gratitude, and the importance of maintaining order on the roads. As millions of Kenyans embark on long-distance travel, particularly to their rural homes for family reunions, the challenges of heavy traffic and road safety have become a central focus.
Murkomen, in his season’s greetings, expressed optimism about the year’s blessings, noting that Kenya has much to be thankful for, including peace, bountiful harvests, and the resilience of the Kenyan people. He highlighted the importance of not losing sight of the need for discipline and safety during the celebrations. “We are blessed with the gift of peace, bountiful harvests, and resilience in the face of challenges. As we enjoy the festivities, we have a duty to be mindful of others and avoid breaking the law,” Murkomen wrote in his message. He also urged Kenyans to observe traffic rules and celebrate responsibly, reassuring citizens that the government is committed to ensuring security and safety during the holiday season.
While the message was largely a call for responsible celebrations, the reality on the ground paints a much more complex picture. As Kenyans flood major highways, particularly the Nairobi-Nakuru route, the traffic situation has become chaotic, with many roads experiencing severe congestion. Long stretches of stationary vehicles have caused motorists to lose hours stuck in traffic, with reports of gridlocks lasting for over 10 hours in some areas. The situation has been particularly dire around Kijabe and Kimende, where accidents, poor lane discipline, and impatience among motorists have contributed to massive traffic jams.
In response to the increasing frustration, the government has deployed additional police officers to assist in managing traffic, and even a police helicopter has been used to monitor and alleviate the congestion. Despite these efforts, the situation remains challenging, with drivers still facing long delays. As temperatures soar and passengers grow increasingly restless, many have resorted to creative ways to cope with the situation, with videos circulating online showing travelers playing football by the roadside or chatting to pass the time.
But not all drivers have been patient. In one particularly alarming video shared on social media, a group of motorists was seen taking matters into their own hands, stepping in to stop individuals from overlapping. The video captured a tense moment where an agitated mob warned a driver to return to his lane or face having his tires deflated. “Rudi kwa barabara ama tutoe hii mguu pressure. Tulia, wacha ku-overlap (Return to the road or we will deflate your tires. Be patient, stop overlapping),” a voice in the video warned. Such scenes reflect the mounting frustration among road users as they grapple with the holiday traffic nightmare.
The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, with extra patrols being deployed across busy routes to ensure drivers are adhering to traffic regulations. However, with the peak of the travel season still ahead, it remains to be seen if these measures will be enough to restore order and prevent further gridlocks.
As the celebrations unfold, Murkomen’s call for moderation resonates more than ever. While the festivities are an important part of Kenya’s culture, the rising cases of traffic accidents and the ongoing struggles on the roads underscore the need for increased vigilance and responsibility on the part of all road users. It is not just about enjoying the season but also about ensuring that everyone reaches their destinations safely, without compromising public safety or breaking the law.
This holiday season, Kenyans are urged to be more patient, respectful of the rules, and considerate of others on the road as they make their way home for Christmas. The government, together with law enforcement agencies, will continue working to ensure safe travels, but the success of these efforts ultimately depends on the collective responsibility of every Kenyan.
