Tension Grips Nairobi as Thika, Mombasa and Waiyaki Roads Shut Ahead of Saba Saba Protests
Nairobi was thrown into chaos early Monday morning, July 7, as police officers sealed off major roads in anticipation of the Saba Saba protests. The closure paralyzed key routes into the city, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Roads including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and the Eastern Bypass were shut at multiple points. On Thika Road, major lockdowns were reported at Roysambu, Kasarani, and Guri Nanak. Mombasa Road was blocked at GM and Bunyala roundabouts, while Waiyaki Way saw barriers at Kangemi and Museum Hill.
On Kangundo Road, traffic was halted at Njiru and Mama Lucy Stage. Jogoo Road, Juja Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, and Valley Road were also barricaded.
Despite a court order barring the erection of roadblocks, police moved in to enforce the lockdown. Commuters were visibly frustrated.
“I left home at 5 am but I’ve only moved 3 kilometers. This is unacceptable,” said one commuter near Bunyala.
Public Transport Paralyzed
Public service vehicles (PSVs) were either rerouted or stopped entirely, with only private cars allowed through — and only after thorough inspection. Businesses remained closed in some areas, and workers were forced to walk long distances.
“We had to cancel operations. We can’t risk our vehicles or our passengers,” said a PSV driver stuck near Museum Hill.
Government’s Hardline Stance
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen assured the public of safety.
“We will ensure security is maintained. Let Kenyans go to work as usual,” he said on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku directed civil servants to report to work without fail.
“Any civil servant who fails to report will face disciplinary action,” warned Ruku.
Military Joins In
“We are here to support the police in ensuring order,” one officer stated.
Travel Disruptions Nationwide
Ahead of the demonstrations, youth from Mombasa intending to join the protests in Nairobi were barred from attending the Summer Tide Festival. Kenya Railways canceled all passenger services, citing “technical hitches” — a move many Kenyans criticized as a veiled attempt to stifle protest turnout.
“This is a deliberate move to frustrate demonstrators,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
As Saba Saba Day unfolds, Kenyans brace for what could be a defining moment in youth-led activism, with calls for justice, police accountability, and civic freedom growing louder.
ALSO READ: Raila Odinga Declares Surprise Return to Kamukunji for Saba Saba Rally
Tension Grips Nairobi as Thika, Mombasa and Waiyaki Roads Shut Ahead of Saba Saba Protests
