Police have brushed off reports alleging that the ongoing protest by matatu operators plying along Waiyaki Way was a result of police harassment.

Taking to their official Twitter account, the National Police Service (NPS) clarified that the protests were in no way linked to the police or their actions.

“Preliminary report indicates that the protesters were aggrieved by what they alleged to have been an interference with their pick up and drop off points along the highway prompted by the new road design in the area,” they wrote.

The chaos that erupted early morning, Thursday, May 19, saw commuters walking long distances to their destinations following the heavy snarl up due to the disruption by matatu operators.

Upon intervention by the police, congestion was cleared while the disgruntled matatu operators protesting were dispersed using teargas canisters.

So far NPS stated that the concerns were registered with respective agencies.

“We assure all motorists and other road users that our officers are still on-site working to ensure free flow of traffic and security along the said route,” NPS wrote.