Governor had earlier issued an order banning the export of charcoal from the county to other counties.

Crackdown

She called for a crackdown on anybody found burning or ferrying charcoal from Kitui to other counties saying that charcoal burning was killing the economy and destroying the environment.

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The youth blocked the major highway at Rironi area and deflated tyres for all trucks and cars claiming that their trucks were burnt in Kitui and they wanted compensation.

Exercise caution

Kenyans have been urged to exercise caution along the highway and if possible avoid the Rironi-Maimahiu Road.

The Highway has been rendered impassable since early Monday morning causing a huge traffic snarl-up stretching for kilometres on the busy road.