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Saba Saba status update: No protests, roads barricaded, Parliament sealed with barbed wire
07th July, 2026 11:35 AM
Nairobi and other parts of the country remained calm but tense by mid-morning on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as Saba Saba Day was marked under tight security, with no major protests reported but movement disrupted in several parts of the city.
Police officers were deployed in large numbers across the capital, manning roadblocks and monitoring key areas as authorities prepared for planned demonstrations.
Parliament under watch
The area around Parliament was heavily guarded, with security officers sealing off access and placing barricades fitted with barbed wire, similar to the measures witnessed during the June 25 protests.
Roads leading to Parliament were blocked, forcing motorists and pedestrians to seek alternative routes as police maintained control of the area.
In Nairobi CBD, officers were stationed at strategic points, including Kencom, where people continued with their daily activities despite the heightened security.
Most businesses in the city centre, however, remained closed, leaving normally busy streets quieter than usual. A few traders who opened their businesses operated under a subdued environment as customers remained cautious.
Roadblocks disrupt movement
Motorists faced disruptions as police enforced road restrictions and diversions across different parts of Nairobi.
Several major roads experienced traffic disruptions as police enforced checkpoints and diversions.
Affected routes included Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Kiambu Road, Ngong Road, Waiyaki Way and Uhuru Highway.
On Mombasa Road, vehicles moved slowly as motorists approached security checkpoints, while along Thika Road, especially around the Allsops area, drivers faced long queues as officers inspected vehicles heading into Nairobi.
At Kimbo, police diverted Nairobi-bound traffic towards the service lane, affecting normal movement. Roadblocks were also mounted at Nairobi West Roundabout off Lang’ata Road, where officers controlled traffic flow ahead of the planned Saba Saba activities.
Public service vehicles were among those affected, with some matatus subjected to checks and others reducing operations in parts of the city.
Calm beyond capital
Outside Nairobi, several areas remained largely peaceful despite increased police visibility.
In Kitengela, Kajiado County, residents continued with normal activities as police officers maintained a presence along major roads.
Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the country, including Embu and Mombasa, where police maintained a heavy presence on major roads and at key locations as authorities heightened security ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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