Saba Saba: List of roads that have been barricaded by police
By William Muthama, July 7, 2026Police mounted roadblocks and barricades on several major roads across Nairobi on Tuesday, July 7, as security was heightened during the annual Saba Saba commemorations.
The operation, which began before dawn, disrupted traffic on key routes leading into the Central Business District (CBD), forcing motorists to seek alternative routes while many commuters were left stranded after public service vehicles were turned back or diverted.
A spot check showed police had established checkpoints and barricades on major highways entering the city, with officers conducting security screening as access to the CBD remained heavily restricted.
Thika Road among hardest hit
Among the most affected routes was Thika Superhighway, where roadblocks were mounted at Allsops, Pangani Interchange, Roysambu Roundabout, Guru Nanak and Githurai.
Nairobi-bound motorists from Ruiru were diverted through the Kimbo service lane, while police allowed only private vehicles to proceed towards the city.
Public service vehicles (PSVs) were barred from accessing sections of the highway, forcing many passengers to alight and continue their journeys on foot.
Major roads under tight security
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.
Heavy security was also reported along Ngong Road, particularly around the City Mortuary Roundabout and Kenyatta National Hospital Roundabout.
On the eastern side of the city, Jogoo Road were blocked near City Stadium and Pangani, causing major disruptions for commuters travelling from Eastlands.
Police also established roadblocks on Kiambu Road outside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and on Lang’ata Road near T-Mall and Madaraka Roundabout.
Additional security checkpoints and restrictions were reported along Valley Road, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, Kangundo Road, Limuru Road, Outering Road, Kenyatta Avenue and sections of Jakaya Kikwete Road, with roads leading to Parliament and State House barricaded using razor wire and access limited to authorised vehicles.
Commuters forced to walk
The heightened security left many commuters stranded as matatus were diverted or prevented from entering the CBD. In several areas, passengers were forced to complete the remainder of their journeys on foot.
By mid-morning, movement within the CBD remained noticeably low, with fewer vehicles and pedestrians than on a typical working day as a heavy police presence was maintained across key streets and intersections.
The security operation came as authorities sought to maintain order during Saba Saba Day, which commemorates the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy demonstrations that played a key role in Kenya’s transition to multi-party democracy.