Business came to a standstill at Total trading centre on the Nakur-Eldoret highway after taxi drivers barricaded the road protesting alleged police harassment.
The drivers drove to Mau Summit police station seeking an audience with area police boss but their efforts were futile.
They retreated to the highway where they demanded their issues be addressed. This created a major traffic snarl up along the busy road.
James Ndegwa, addressing the media on behalf of the group, claimed that local police have created a cartel of rogue touts that they use to harass and demand bribes from the taxi drivers.
This cartel has become so daring that they collect bribes from drivers and beat up those who fail to meet set targets.
“Why are police using civilians to harass us? The two guys John Cena and Dau are untouchable because they enjoy police protection. Police must come and explain to us why they have allowed the two to harass with us,” he said.
The two, John Cena and Dau, are said to be well known in the area and have a criminal record.
Efforts to get comments from area OCS Jacob Mailori were futile.
"I have no comments over the allegations they have made but let them open the road and get at least 10 representatives to my office so that we can address their grievances,” he said.
The drivers called on Nakuru county commander of police to independently investigate the matter.