Court Declines to Order for Reinstatement of Roundabouts

Justice Weldon Korir declined the request by Sonko after the County Government of Nairobi claimed that the application by the petitioner is overtaken by events since the barriers were removed at Bunyala and Lusaka roundabouts which they say has resulted to normal flow of traffic in the entire city.

Sonko moved to court on Tuesday to challenge the decision by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to partially block three major roundabouts in Nairobi, arguing that closure of parts of the Lusaka, Bunyala and Westlands roundabouts had affected flow of traffic on Uhuru Highway, Bunyala and Langata roads.

He said the decision taken by Kidero was also illegal and in contradiction of the constitution.

The case will be heard on May 6th 2015.

The flamboyant Senator argued that the redesigning of the roundabouts has inconvenienced many commuters across the city causing traffic snarl-ups of upto three hours.

Unlawful reconfiguration of city roads

Sonko sued Kidero alongside the Cabinet secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, the Principal secretary State Department of Transport, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), the Kenya Roads Boards, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the Attorney General.

In his case, Sonko – through advocate John Harrison Kinyanjui – argued that the County Government of Nairobi “purported to unlawfully reconfigure Nairobi County urban roads with large roundabouts affecting Uhuru Highway, Bunyala Road, Langata Road, and Westlands with the approval of the Ministry of Transport”.

Sonko wanted the decision to close several roundabouts in the city reversed.

Sonko had earlier warned that unless the county government reviews the new traffic routes, he will mobilise city residents to remove the barriers erected on the affected roads.

The Senator said Nairobi Governor Kidero and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure had hurriedly implemented the changes without involving the public in accordance with the law. 

Sonko said the heavy traffic in Nairobi cannot be addressed on short term basis.

By Maureen Murimi