Business stalled in Thika Town after it was turned into a 'parking lot’ when President Uhuru Kenyatta made several stopovers along the Thika-Garissa Highway last night.
Kenyatta was addressing jubilant supporters who had thronged his pathway.
Confused motorists and commuters who use Thika roads were all caught unawares in the traffic congestion that lasted for more than an hour.
The town and its environs were impassable. Bus termini in White Line, Thika Arcade and near Equity Plaza were crowded by stranded commuters.
Major traffic snarl-ups were experienced on most roads. Getting in or out of Thika was virtually impossible.
Motorists coming into Thika via the superhighway had to contend with a jam that extended beyond Witeithie and some tried to manoeuvre their own 'panya routes' through Witeithie and Kiandutu.
Most of the roads were at a standstill as vehicles from Makongeni were locked all the way from Posta to the town centre. Those heading to Kisii Estate, Landless, Muguga and Thika East areas had to brave the dusty road that passes through Nampak, Broadway Bakery all the way to Umoja Estate and Gachagi where they would then link up with Garissa Road at Naivas Supermarket at Flame Tree Estate.
The few matatus that managed to get into town took advantage of the situation to hike the fares. Commuters who ply the Makongeni routes had to part with either Sh10 or Sh20 more, above the normal rates.
Bodaboda riders and Tuktuks had a booming business. Commuters could be seen still stranded in bus stops as late as 11pm. Some even decided to walk home.