Police block major roads leading to Nairobi CBD ahead of planned saba saba protests
By Luke Oluoch, July 7, 2025A heavy presence of police officers has been witnessed manning major roads leading to Nairobi’s Central Business District ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests slated for Monday, July 7, 2025.
A spot check by K24 Digital confirmed the armed police mounting barricades on the major roads that lead to the city.
This comes as the roads remained deserted despite the government’s declaration that Monday would be a normal working day.
Major roads blocked
Among those roads that have access restricted are the Wayaki Way, which leads to the CBD from Westlands. The policemen manning the area could be seen stopping vehicles seeking access through what is normally a busy road.
At Valley Road, the law enforcement officers were seen momentarily stopping vehicles and inspecting even private vehicles.
The crackdown also did not spare pedestrians heading towards the city, with officers questioning a section of those going about their business and turning back others.
A similar stop was witnessed at the Thika Super Highway with a police block staged at Roysambu roundabout and along Ngong Road at the City Mortuary.
Saba saba demos
There have also been reported stops at Ladhies Road, which connects the CBD to Jogoo Road, and along Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Sellasie Avenue, and Uhuru Highway.
The foregoing comes as Kenyans plan to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Sasa Saba events, a day that coincides with the country’s historic push for multipartyism.
The deployment follows widespread looting and violence across the city following recent demonstrations, such as the June 25, 2025, protest that marked a year after the demonstration of the 2024 Anti-Finance Bill.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service has issued a stern warning to Kenyans ahead of the historical Saba Saba Day.
In a statement issued by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on Sunday, July 6, 2025, the NPS stated that any assembly or demonstration must remain peaceful and unarmed, warning that carrying weapons is a direct violation of the Constitution.
The police service, in addition, stated that attempting to enter protected government installations or restricted areas breaches the Protected Areas and will result in immediate legal action.
Furthermore, in the statement, the police strongly condemned looting, vandalism, property destruction, road blockages, or any incitement of violence under the guise of protest, declaring such acts criminal and subject to firm legal response.
“Any assembly or demonstration must remain peaceful and unarmed; carrying weapons of any kind shall be treated as a direct violation of the constitution and the Penal Code Cap. 63, Section 78 and 82). Entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted areas is a violation of The Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and shall attract immediate legal action,” the statement reads.
“Looting, vandalism of any form and destruction of property, blocking roads, or even incitement to violence under the guise of protests shall not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal and shall be met with firm, lawful action by security agencies.”