Saba Saba Protests: Police Block Several Roads to CBD, Forcing Commuters to Walk
- The government has heightened security across major towns as Kenyans mark the 35th Saba Saba Day
- Roadblocks and police presence caused widespread disruption in Nairobi and beyond, forcing residents to seek alternative ways to get to their workplaces
- TUKO.co.ke compiled a list of roads that have been blocked in Nairobi as tensions rise before the start of the demonstrations
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kenyans across the country will be marking the 35th Saba Saba Day on Monday, July 7, with planned protests unfolding amid heightened security.
Source: Facebook
Despite earlier police assurances to safeguard peaceful demonstrations, a heavy deployment of security personnel and extensive roadblocks brought Nairobi and several towns to a standstill.
In the capital, major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD) were barricaded, effectively locking down the city.
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Commuters were stranded, with many forced to walk long distances as vehicles were turned away.
Streets in Nairobi were eerily empty as police patrolled the city ahead of planned demonstrations.
Key roads affected by the lockdown
- City Mortuary Roundabout on Ngong Road
- Roysambu Roundabout and Pangani area on Thika Road
- Kangemi Market and Waiyaki Way
- Ojijo Road
- Maasai Lodge area on Magadi Road
- Ruai Bypass
- Guru Nanak towards the town (Thika Road block)
- Roysambu footbridge
- Arwings Kodhek/DoD Roundabout
- Roysambu Roundabout towards town – totally closed
- Kiambu Road closed at the DCI
- Gitaru Interchange
- Valley Road
- Kasarani exit
- Nyayo Stadium
- Landhies Road
- Kenyatta Avenue
- Uhuru Highway
In Kangemi, police officers barricaded Waiyaki Way, barring all vehicular access to the CBD. Long-distance buses were parked outside Kabete Police Station, unable to proceed due to the blockade.
Similar scenes played out in other regions.
In Rongai, anti-riot police mounted a roadblock between Rongai town and Multi-Media University. Residents attempting to access the city were stopped, leaving many stranded.
Tensions flared as frustrated crowds gathered at the checkpoint, engaging in heated exchanges with law enforcement.
Eldoret's Uganda Highway saw minimal activity, while in Kiambu county, protesters took to the streets in Zimmerman, blocking Kamiti Road and lighting fires. Businesses in the area remained closed as a precaution.
Protesters also blocked Mwea in Kirinyaga county. Travellers to Nairobi were advised to take the alternative route from Karatina through Sagana at Kibingoti near the Banana Market.
Even with the blockade and bad weather, several Kenyans have attended the protests.
Will Raila Odinga lead Saba Saba Day protests?
Meanwhile, ODM leader Raila Odinga called on Kenyans to commemorate this year’s Saba Saba Day at Kamukunji Grounds, confirming his attendance at the event.
Source: AFP
He discouraged protesters from converging in the CBD, directing them instead to Kamukunji, a site of historical and political significance in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Raila emphasised that Kamukunji Grounds holds symbolic value, particularly in remembering those who lost their lives in past struggles for freedom and justice.
He maintained that, even decades later, the ideals behind Saba Saba remain largely unmet.
The opposition leader lamented the continued violation of human rights, including instances of police brutality, and noted that critical reforms envisioned in the 2010 Constitution have yet to be fully realised.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
