Jimi Wanjigi warns of economic collapse after police barricade roads during protests
By Mustafa Juma, July 8, 2025Businessman and politician Jimi Wanjigi has warned of an imminent economic collapse as the nation grapples with widespread protests and governance challenges.
Wanjigi’s call comes after the National Police Service (NPS) officers on Monday, July 7, 2025, caused a shutdown affecting 17 counties after they mounted roadblocks in various parts of the country with the aim of thwarting the Saba Saba protests.
Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the business mogul also called for the resignation of President William Ruto.
“Economic collapse is imminent at this rate! Ruto, you must resign now!” Wanjigi warned.
Wanjigi, a seasoned figure with deep roots in Kenya’s political and economic spheres, has long been a vocal critic of the current administration. His latest outburst taps into a growing wave of discontent, fuelled by economic stagnation, soaring debt, and public frustration over tax hikes, police brutality, and governance failures.
Economic shutdown
During the Monday, July 7, 2025, Saba Saba commemoration, police sealed off all roads leading to Nairobi’s city centre as early as 5:00 am, erecting barricades and roadblocks that disrupted public transport and forced many commuters to walk into town.
Long-distance buses and private vehicles were also turned away at key junctions across the city.
At the Roysambu Roundabout on Thika Road, police fully blocked access, stranding passengers and prompting some to walk to their destinations. A similar scene unfolded at the Allsops junction, where roadblocks severely restricted traffic flow.
On Waiyaki Way in Kangemi, police officers had mounted heavy barricades.
Four police vehicles were used to completely seal off the Kangemi Bridge, preventing all traffic, including long-distance buses, from entering the city. The buses were seen dropping off passengers at the barricade, with none being allowed through, not even journalists.
Vehicles heading into the Nairobi CBD through Ngong Road were also blocked at The Junction Mall, while Uhuru Highway was sealed off at The Mall in Westlands.
Other key roads, such as Valley Road (blocked at the DOD), State House Road (at the Integrity Centre), Mombasa Road (at GM), and Thika Road (at Pangani), were also cut off by police barricades.
A heavy police presence was also observed at Nyayo Stadium junction, Pangani, Kenyatta Hospital roundabout, and roads leading to the State House.
Long-distance buses
Outside Kabete Police Station, long-distance buses could be seen parked after being stopped from proceeding towards the Nairobi CBD. Even as early as 6 am, stranded commuters had begun gathering at the roadblocks.
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, hundreds of youth returning to Nairobi from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani were also stopped by police at the Dongo Kundu Bypass.
Authorities reportedly feared they were travelling to participate in the Saba Saba protests.
Further complicating matters, Kenya Railways on Sunday night announced the cancellation of the 10 pm Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing a “technical fault.”