Motorists Stranded as Police Mount Roadblocks on Major Roads Leading to Nairobi CBD Ahead of Saba Saba Protests

Motorists Stranded as Police Mount Roadblocks on Major Roads Leading to Nairobi CBD Ahead of Saba Saba Protests

Thousands of motorists and commuters experienced major traffic disruptions across Nairobi on Tuesday morning after the National Police Service (NPS) mounted extensive security roadblocks on key highways and access roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba Day demonstrations.

The heightened security operation resulted in lengthy traffic jams across several major routes as police officers conducted vehicle inspections and security checks, leaving commuters stranded for hours while others were forced to seek alternative routes into the city.

The operation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the annual Saba Saba commemorations, with security agencies seeking to prevent a repeat of the violence, looting and property destruction witnessed during previous demonstrations.

Among the roads affected were Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Kiambu Road, Outer Ring Road, Lang’ata Road, Pangani Interchange, and roads leading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Police checkpoints were also established at strategic entry points including Blue Post, Ruiru, Githurai and Allsops along the busy Thika Superhighway, significantly slowing the movement of both private and public transport vehicles.

A spot check across several affected routes revealed long queues of vehicles stretching for several kilometres, with motorists subjected to security screening before being allowed to proceed into Nairobi.

In some locations, passengers travelling in public service vehicles were reportedly asked to disembark briefly as officers conducted inspections.

The security operation followed an announcement by the National Police Service that it would increase police deployments and establish additional checkpoints throughout Nairobi as part of measures aimed at safeguarding public safety during the Saba Saba anniversary.

In a public notice issued on Monday, July 6, the police said the enhanced security presence was informed by previous experiences where demonstrations had degenerated into violence, disrupting businesses and endangering members of the public.

“NPS wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of experience during the Saba Saba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the National Police Service said.

The service further explained that the roadblocks were intended to regulate the movement of both people and vehicles while enhancing security across the capital.

<u>“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi City tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement,”</u> the statement added.

Police urged motorists, commuters and the general public to cooperate fully with officers manning the checkpoints and to comply with lawful instructions issued during the security exercise.

Authorities also warned that any individual found engaging in criminal activity during the demonstrations would face legal action.

The latest operation comes against the backdrop of planned protests organised by a coalition of civil society organisations and human rights groups seeking to mark Saba Saba Day.

According to the organisers, the demonstrations are intended to call for accountability over alleged police killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and the prosecution of officers accused of unlawful use of force.

The coalition has also indicated that participants intend to present a petition to Parliament outlining a series of governance and human rights concerns.

However, the demonstrations remain the subject of a dispute between organisers and the police.

On Sunday, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud declared the planned protests unlawful, arguing that police had not received the mandatory notification required under the Public Order Act to facilitate the demonstrations.

Police maintain that without formal notification indicating the proposed routes, timing and nature of the assembly, the protests cannot be recognised as lawful public demonstrations.

Human rights organisations have rejected that position, insisting they complied with the notification requirements and that the planned demonstrations will proceed peacefully.

The annual Saba Saba commemorations hold historical significance in Kenya, marking the struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional freedoms. In recent years, the occasion has increasingly become a platform for citizens and advocacy groups to raise concerns over governance, accountability and human rights.

As security agencies maintain a heavy presence across Nairobi, businesses, schools and commuters are closely monitoring developments amid concerns that prolonged traffic disruptions and demonstrations could significantly affect normal activities throughout the day.

By the time of publication, traffic remained heavy along several major highways leading into the capital, with police continuing to screen vehicles while urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with security officers as the situation unfolded.

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Motorists Stranded as Police Mount Roadblocks on Major Roads Leading to Nairobi CBD Ahead of Saba Saba Protests