Kenyans will be required to pay Ksh705 million (USD 5 million) for the damages caused to the Nairobi Expressway during the recent protests, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Speaking during an inspection of the Mlolongo toll station, Murkomen revealed that the government would have to pay the operator within 28 days, as stipulated in the contract between the operator and the government.

The damages occurred during the protests that took place along the 27-kilometer stretch of the elevated road on Wednesday. Murkomen stated that the cost would be refunded by those responsible for organizing and participating in the destruction of various equipment on the Expressway.

Under the agreement, Kenyans are obligated to pay for the damages, and the government will ensure that those involved in the mass action personally bear the financial burden. Murkomen emphasized that anyone who receives payment from the exchequer will be required to repay the people of Kenya.

As a first step towards holding the perpetrators accountable, Murkomen announced that 50 individuals had been arrested in connection with the damages to the Expressway. He highlighted the importance of the CCTV cameras on the highway, which aided in the investigations.

During the protests, equipment such as flower pots and metallic guard rails were destroyed. The government is determined to bring all the culprits to justice and has warned that those planning to cause further damage will face the full force of the law, with long-lasting consequences.

Murkomen also mentioned that they were conducting investigations into damages inflicted on other government infrastructure, and a comprehensive report will be issued in due course.

Following the damages, sections of the Expressway toll stations were closed, with the SGR, Syokimau, and Mlolongo stations being the most affected. Motorists were directed to exit from JKIA if traveling on the Westlands-Mlolongo route, while Mlolongo-Westlands bound motorists were instructed to join the Nairobi Expressway from the JKIA Toll Station.