(NAIROBI) — Nairobi came to a near standstill on Monday morning, 7 July 2025, as police mounted extensive security operations ahead of planned Saba Saba protests. Roadblocks were established at key entry points into the Central Business District (CBD), severely disrupting traffic and paralysing transport services in and out of the city.
Security personnel closed off several main roads including Thika Road at Roysambu, Allsops and Guru Nanak, as well as Wayaki Way at the Kangemi flyover. Additional closures were reported at GM Motors on Mombasa Road, the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road, Valley Road near the Department of Defence and the Integrity Centre, Juja Road at the Pangani Interchange and Lang’ata Road near T-Mall.
In a show of force, police used razor wire and barriers to block Parliament Road, City Hall Way and intersections around Harambee Avenue. Heavily armed officers were seen patrolling key roundabouts linking Uhuru Highway with Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue and Moi Avenue.
Security forces also blocked both public and private vehicles from entering the CBD, citing concerns that protesters could disguise themselves to access the city and stage demonstrations. Buses from upcountry were stopped at checkpoints such as Kabete Police Station along Waiyaki Way.
The disruption left many residents stranded and unable to reach their workplaces. With roads blocked and only a few matatus operating, commuters experienced significant delays. Businesses and services in areas such as the Industrial Area and CBD were affected, with most banks and shops remaining shut.
Some key locations where access was limited or monitored are shown below:
| Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Parliament Road & City Hall Way | Fully blocked by police |
| Thika Road (Roysambu, Allsops) | Closed |
| Wayaki Way (Kangemi flyover) | Blocked |
| Mombasa Road (GM Motors) | Closed |
| Ngong Road (City Mortuary roundabout) | Closed |
| Juja Road (Pangani interchange) | Closed |
| Lang’ata Road (T-Mall) | Blocked |
| Bunyala Road, City Stadium, Nyayo | Matatus not allowed into town |
The protests were driven by young people, mainly from the Gen Z demographic, who had earlier declared their intention to march on Saba Saba Day, demanding reforms and accountability. This came despite calls from government officials urging restraint.
Police issued public advisories urging citizens to avoid the CBD and instead use alternative routes. Sunday evening saw a large group of young people blocked by police while trying to travel from Mombasa to Nairobi via the Dongo Kundu bypass, further raising tension.
Several schools across towns in Kenya asked students to stay home on Monday and resume lessons on Tuesday, fearing a repeat of the chaos that followed earlier protests over police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
In Nairobi’s Mukuru slums, many traders shut down their businesses in anticipation of possible looting, while factories in the usually busy Industrial Area remained closed, guarded only by security personnel.
Matatu services were limited. Public service vehicles were stopped at Homa Bay Road near Enterprise Road, and were not permitted beyond Bunyala Road or into the CBD. Police checkpoints were set up on Factory Lane leading to the Kenya Railways flyover. Only authorised persons such as government officials, journalists and medical workers were granted access.
At Kenya Railways Police Station, all pedestrians had to justify their need to enter the zone. A police truck filled with anti-riot officers was stationed near the Central Bank, while 10 officers were placed on duty at Police Headquarters.
The normally bustling KenCom bus stop was unusually quiet, with no buses in sight. A group of about 10 persons living with disabilities were seen resting on gunny bags in the area.
Around 9:30 am, a group of youths attempted to sneak into the city centre from Nairobi River through Accra Road. Police responded by firing teargas to disperse them.
