On the morning of Friday, July 31, 2026, transport along Thika Road experienced a temporary disruption when a man reportedly jumped from the Kahawa Wendani footbridge. This incident caused motorists to slow down as emergency services responded swiftly.
Social media videos captured the scene, showing vehicles maintaining a safe distance from the area where the man landed, while a crowd of onlookers gathered along the roadside, drawing the attention of both motorists and pedestrians.
The authorities covered the man’s body with a white cloth as they secured the scene and prepared for its removal. Traffic police arrived promptly, directing motorists to use a single lane while managing the situation to restore normal traffic flow.
Although the temporary traffic control measures resulted in brief congestion along the busy highway, officers ensured the area was cleared safely. A crowd of curious onlookers gathered near the footbridge, as police continued their investigation into the incident. The identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding his action were not released at that time.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges on Thika Road, one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors, which regularly accommodates a high volume of vehicles.
Just days prior, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, traffic was similarly halted when protesters blocked sections of the highway following the discovery of a man’s body floating in the Ruiru River near Gwa Kairo Stage. A video from K24 Digital displayed a large crowd, including boda boda riders and local residents, as they erected barricades while emergency responders retrieved the body.
This discovery ignited anger and shock in the community, leading to protests that caused significant traffic disruptions along this major route. Motorists faced delays traveling from Nairobi to Ruiru and Thika, with congestion extending from the Kimbo underpass to the Ruiru Bypass.
To ease the situation, drivers heading towards Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) were advised to use the service lane, turning towards Ruiru Ndani near Plainsview Hospital before reaching the roundabout near Quickmart. This diversion allowed them to bypass the traffic jam and reconnect with the Thika Road service lane near the Kenya Power offices in Ruiru, continuing towards Kimbo smoothly.
