Activities along the busy Thika Superhighway were brought to a standstill for about 30 minutes after residents of Witeithie, Maraba and Muthaara areas in Juja, Kiambu County staged demonstrations over a worrying spike in cases of child abductions.
The protesters some of whom lit bonfires and blocked sections of the highway, accused security agencies of laxity and failing to act decisively despite what they termed an alarming rise in incidents of children being stolen from their neighbourhoods.
Speaking to journalists at Witeithie trading centre, the visibly agitated residents claimed that at least four children have been abducted from Maraba and Muthaara areas within the past two weeks. They said that while two of the children have since been found alive, the circumstances surrounding the other cases remain unclear, fuelling fear and anxiety among parents and guardians.
YOUTUBE VIDEO:
The most recent incident, according to the residents, involved a Grade Nine pupil who was allegedly abducted on Monday, January 13, 2026, while running an errand to a nearby shop in Maraba after being sent by her mother. The girl was later found late at night in Kimuchu village in Kiganjo area, Thika, several kilometres away from her home, under circumstances that are yet to be fully explained.
“We are living in fear. Our children cannot even be sent to the shop anymore,” said one resident. “We have reported these cases to the police, but no arrests have been made. We want action, not promises.”
The demonstrators demanded increased police patrols in the affected neighbourhoods, speedy and thorough investigations into the reported abductions, and the immediate arrest of suspected child traffickers believed to be operating in the area. They warned that continued inaction by authorities could push residents to take matters into their own hands.
“We are not happy to block roads, but we feel ignored,” another protester said. “If nothing is done, the community might be forced to protect itself.”
ALSO READ:
Murang’a KUPPET branch elections cancelled following court order
The protest caused significant traffic snarl-ups along the Thika Superhighway, with motorists stranded for several minutes as police moved in to restore order. Calm was eventually restored after security officers engaged the protesters and persuaded them to clear the road.
By the time of going to press, police had not issued an official statement on the allegations, but officers on the ground assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that additional patrols would be deployed to enhance security.
The incidents have once again highlighted growing concerns over child safety in rapidly expanding urban settlements, with residents calling for closer collaboration between communities and security agencies to curb crime and restore confidence.
By Felix Njenga
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
