Saba Saba: Caleb Amisi urges govt to lift roadblocks
Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi has called on the government to remove roadblocks mounted across the country, saying the closures are inflicting unnecessary hardship on ordinary Kenyans.
In a statement on Monday, July 7, 2025, Amisi said the current protests are no longer just about political demands but a reflection of the growing anger over the government’s decision to restrict movement, even as the country commemorates 35 years since the iconic July 7 demonstrations.
You might also like
“Today, protest is different. People are protesting the closure of roads by the government,” he started.
He urged the authorities to reconsider the blanket road closures, noting that Kenyans still need to travel to visit loved ones, access medical care, and seek essential services.
“Please remove the road blockade across the country; even on a holiday, people move to celebrate with loved ones and friends. People must also access medical care and essential services.”
/X
The roadblocks affected both private vehicles and public service vehicles (PSVs), leaving many commuters stranded.
Nairobi CBD
Security checks were mounted on major roads, including Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, Valley Road, and other key feeder roads.
Additionally, long-distance buses were forced to park at the Kabete police Station after police barricaded Waiyaki Way.
Only emergency vehicles and those belonging to the government were allowed through
However, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Gilbert Masengeli has dismissed claims that Kenyans are being blocked from accessing Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), saying movement into the city remains unrestricted.
Speaking on Monday, Masengeli urged citizens to adhere to the rule of law and conduct any demonstrations peacefully.
“Everyone is getting to work without any issues. No one is being turned away,” he said. “We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful.”
Ruku spoke shortly before inviting President William Ruto to address the congregation at the ACK Diocese of Embu’s 35th Anniversary Thanksgiving held at Kigari Teachers Training College.
On July 7, 1990, nationwide protests erupted to demand the reintroduction of a multi-party political system, in opposition to the authoritarian one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi.
Despite a government ban and the arrest of key pro-democracy figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, thousands defied the crackdown, leading to violent confrontations with police that resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and detentions, ultimately forcing the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991 and paving the way for democratic reforms.
