Gilgil Weighbridge Madness is back. Travelers have been forced to spend cold night on the Naivasha-Nakuru highway following a huge traffic snarl-up on the major international trade route.
Closure of truck lane @ Gilgil caused all this. I feel for Kenyans who slept on the jungle. @Ma3Route pic.twitter.com/zUbtiypkfE
— KARMA ✳️ (@Fred_daktari) August 3, 2019
The traffic from hell started at around 10pm on Thursday after two trailers collided, blocking both sides of the lanes.
09:06 Avoid Gilgil. I repeat. Find an alternative route. pic.twitter.com/ZpjMyDMQh4 via @KagoJohn
— Ma3Route Counties (@Ma3RouteCounty) August 3, 2019
This has left many travelers cursing. From the some of the videos the police have given up on the traffic and the rowdy things have taken over. This has irritated the people even further.
Rowdy youths controlling traffic at Gilgil.. polisi wamelemewa pic.twitter.com/p9bbxZVs5E
— Fredrick Amulaka (@AmulakaFredrick) August 3, 2019
Drivers and travelers stranded on the highway agonized over the situation with some motorists seeking alternative routes through the bushes. But safe is that.
I almost got into Gilgil mess! Will now use Flyover-Kinangop route.Thanks twitter
— Rachel Deuces🇰🇪 (@rachdeuces) August 3, 2019
@Ma3Route To avoid the Gilgil snarl up, let motorists driving from Nairobi use the Fly-Over -Njabini-Ol Kalou-Nakuru route.
— Mart Kihika 🇰🇪 (@MartKihika) August 3, 2019
Nairobi – Nakuru road : A country of jokers. Stuck from 12am upto now . #Gilgil. pic.twitter.com/G7AiETkyAC via @KaundaGilbert
— Kenya Car Bazaar™🇰🇪 (@KenyaCarBazaar) August 3, 2019
The government and the Ministry of Transport has turned out to be the punching bag of most upset Kenyans.
Transport CS should be held accountable for traffic snarl up in Gilgil. In a developed nation he should have resigned.#Gilgil
— Teega (@titus_tegaa) August 3, 2019
Fire everyone who was involved in that Gilgil weighbridge renovation at the rush hour, first weekend of the month and closing week of schools without a warning and simple plan B. Fire them now.
— #GreatnessMatters ™ (@Gichy_) August 3, 2019
However some have blamed the reckless drivers as the main cause of the entire traffic snarl-up that have forced motorists to spend the night in traffic.
A senior police officer also blamed the situation on impatient motorists who obstructed traffic flow as they sought alternative routes near Marula area.
“Police were already on the accident spot before intolerant drivers started overlapping,” said the officer.
Drivers are not disciplined. They wouldn’t have not slept at Gilgil
— Rein (@Asamoh_) August 3, 2019
Traffic situation at Gilgil right now @KenyanTraffic what’s not happening please? pic.twitter.com/iwUroy5tRC
— Amos Kilanya (@AmosKilanya) August 3, 2019