Nairobi, July 7- The Motorist Association of Kenya has condemned the government over what it terms illegal roadblocks on major highways, accusing police of unlawfully detaining travellers and disrupting movement across the country.
In a statement issued Monday, the association criticised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for allegedly ordering the roadblocks, saying it was ironic for the top law enforcer to violate the very laws he’s meant to uphold.
“Why is the IG blocking roads unlawfully and interfering with Kenyans’ right to move freely?” they asked.
They highlighted how the roadblocks have caused fresh food supplies to rot in transit, prevented traders from accessing markets, and stranded travellers, including those heading to catch flights or returning to work.
They also cited an incident in which youths returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani were unlawfully detained at the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
Calling the blockades a violation of Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement they questioned how such actions were happening just days after the government warned civil servants against absenteeism.
