Which roads were blocked in Nairobi?
As early as 6 a.m. on Monday, Nairobi residents found it nearly impossible to access the Central Business District. Key roads and junctions leading into the city were heavily guarded by police, with barricades set up at critical points. These included the Nyayo Stadium junction, Pangani, the Kenyatta Hospital roundabout, and all routes leading to the State House. Specific routes were entirely blocked: Thika Road at Pangani, Mombasa Road at Nyayo Stadium, Kiambu Road near the DCI headquarters, and Ngong Road at the City Mortuary.
People attempting to reach work or other destinations were turned away as early as 5 a.m., signaling a total lockdown of the capital in anticipation of the planned Saba Saba protests.
Why did the police stop the youth from Mombasa?
On Sunday evening, police intercepted a large group of Nairobi-bound youth at the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Mombasa. These youths had been attending the Summer Tides Festival in Diani but were reportedly suspected of traveling to Nairobi to participate in the Saba Saba demonstrations. They were stopped near Likoni, and no further movement was permitted.
In a related move, Kenya Railways canceled the midnight train from Mombasa to Nairobi, which was scheduled to depart at 10 p.m. Hundreds of travelers were left stranded after the company cited a sudden “technical fault” for the cancellation.
What are the latest warnings about the protests?
As tensions rose, several public figures issued warnings regarding the protests. Moses Kuria, an economic advisor to President William Ruto, posted a tweet in the early hours of Monday, stating: “Those who turn up to destroy property during protests would ‘make his Kachumbari and stew’.”
Meanwhile, former Opposition leader Raila Odinga announced that he would hold a rally at Kamukunji grounds. Odinga, one of the original architects of the 1990 Saba Saba movement, has long been associated with the annual protests, which commemorate the day Kenyans demanded free elections and multiparty democracy.
Each year on July 7, Saba Saba Day marks a historical turning point in Kenya’s political struggle for democracy. While it is usually observed through peaceful protests, this year’s tensions suggest heightened anxiety among authorities and participants alike.
By Yockshard Enyendi
