Police mounted extensive roadblocks across major routes into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday morning ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations, a day historically associated with political protests in Kenya.
Road closures were reported on key arteries including Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, Valley Road, Juja Road, and Lang’ata Road. Authorities blocked access for both private and public service vehicles, citing concerns that protestors might attempt to disguise themselves to enter the city centre and stage demonstrations.
Buses from upcountry parked outside Kabete Police Station after police officers barricaded Waiyaki Way on july 7, 2025.
Activists rally each year on July 7 to mark the date in 1990 when opponents of then-president Daniel arap Moi launched a bid to transform the country into a multiparty democracy. This protest is called Saba Saba – meaning “seven seven” in Kiswahili – because of the date.
The area around Parliament is heavily fortified, encircled by razor wire and barricades, with substantial police presence. Security was also significantly increased at major intersections, particularly at roundabouts connecting major routes in and out of Nairobi.
Police block Parliament Road on July 7, 2025 ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
The widespread gridlock has left many residents unable to reach their workplaces.
This year’s rally comes after largely youth-led protests in June last year that initially focused on tax increases, but expanded to cover issues such as corruption, police brutality and unexplained disappearances of government critics.
Gen Z activists had said they would proceed with Saba Saba Day protests, despite government appeals for restraint, prompting police to heighten security.
Police block Haile Selassie/Uhuru Highway roundabout to prevent demonstrators from accessing the Central Business District ahead of planned Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
The government is committed to protecting life and property during protests, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on his X account on Sunday.
"Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property," he said.
On Sunday, however, unidentified people forced their way into the offices of the non-profit Kenya Human Rights Commission to stop a press conference ahead of Monday’s protests.
Ruth Mumbi addresses the media outside the Kenya Human Rights Commission offices in Nairobi on July 6, 2025 shortly after goons stormed the premises and disrupted a press conference.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
At least one person, a board member, was injured, Ernest Cornel, who works at the commission, said.
On the same day, police reportedly blocked hundreds of young people travelling to Nairobi at the Dongo Kundu bypass in Mombasa. These individuals had attended the annual Summer Tides Festival in coastal Diani.
Stranded passengers at Miritini SGR Terminus in Mombasa on July 6, 2025
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Schools and businesses have remained closed amid fears of disruptions, destruction and looting of property as witnessed during previous protests.
