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Saba Saba Day: Protesters bundled into waiting Subarus in Nairobi CBD
07th July, 2026 02:35 PM
Protesters who had started demonstrating in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) were bundled into a Subaru by unknown men who did not identify themselves.
The incident happened as Saba Saba Day demonstrations on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, began in the city. The circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear.
A video circulating online showed a group of men taking the activists into the trunk of a car. The activists were heard shouting as they retaliated while being forced into the vehicle. The men involved did not identify themselves during the incident.
The video quickly drew attention as it showed the tense moments in the Nairobi CBD as the activists were seen and heard shouting as they were pushed into the vehicle.
Security heightened across Nairobi
Early Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026, police had mounted roadblocks and barricades on several major roads across Nairobi. Security was heightened as the country marked the annual Saba Saba commemorations. The operation started before dawn.
The roadblocks disrupted traffic on major roads leading into the Central Business District. Many motorists were forced to use different routes after access to the CBD became limited. Some commuters were also left stranded after public service vehicles were turned back or diverted.
Officers set up checkpoints and barricades on several highways leading into the city. Security screening was carried out at the checkpoints as police restricted movement into the CBD. The increased security affected travel for many people heading into the city.
Among the roads affected was Thika Superhighway. Roadblocks were mounted at Allsops, Pangani Interchange, Roysambu Roundabout, Guru Nanak and Githurai. The security operation remained in place as movement into the city was controlled.
Nairobi-bound motorists travelling from Ruiru were diverted through the Kimbo service lane. Police only allowed private vehicles to continue towards the city. Public transport operations were affected in several areas.
Along Waiyaki Way, police barricaded sections at the Kangemi Flyover and Gitaru Interchange, restricting traffic from the Kinoo and Westlands direction.
On Mombasa Road, officers sealed off sections at Nyayo Stadium Junction, Bunyala Roundabout and near Cabanas/GM Motors, while Uhuru Highway also experienced restrictions around the Nyayo Stadium and Bunyala area.
