Major Disruptions Reported in Nairobi and Thika as Police Seal Roads Ahead of #SabaSaba Protests

An unusually quiet Commercial Street in Thika Town, with minimal activity and closed shops, as police barricades and protest tensions paralyzed movement across key urban centers.

A heavy police presence and sweeping road blockades brought Nairobi and its surrounding towns, including Thika, to a standstill on Monday morning as authorities moved to preemptively quell anticipated #SabaSaba protests organized by Gen Z youth and civil society.

In what many are describing as a near-total lockdown, security officers began sealing off major entry points into the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) as early as 5:00 a.m. All key access routes among them Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Uhuru Highway, and Lang'ata Road were heavily barricaded, leading to widespread disruptions in transportation and public services.

The situation along Thika Road was particularly tense. Police completely blocked access at multiple key junctions, including Roysambu Roundabout, Kahawa Wendani, and near Githurai. Commuters heading to the city were stopped in their tracks, with many forced to disembark from matatus and walk long distances under the morning sun. Motorists were seen turning around or stranded for hours in traffic as police turned back all private and public service vehicles. Security officers reportedly conducted searches and maintained a strict perimeter, allowing only emergency and government vehicles to pass. Further down the road, areas like Kasarani, Githurai 45, and Zimmerman experienced unusual silence as business owners kept doors closed, anticipating possible unrest.

In both Nairobi and Thika, several learning institutions canceled physical classes or instructed students to stay home, shifting to virtual lessons for the day. Civil servants and private sector workers also faced difficulties accessing their workplaces, with many choosing to work remotely amid the uncertainty. Long-distance bus services were suspended or turned back at roadblocks on the outskirts of the city, while the Madaraka Express train to and from Mombasa was also canceled without prior notice raising speculation of a coordinated shutdown.

Deserted stalls and shuttered businesses at a Thika marketplace on the morning of July 7, 2025, as fear of unrest during the #SabaSaba protests gripped traders and residents.

Authorities defended the lockdown, citing intelligence on potential chaos and the need to maintain order. While Article 37 of the Constitution allows for peaceful protests, the Interior Ministry referenced a court order issued late last week barring any form of unauthorized demonstrations. Interior CS Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen earlier warned that “no unlawful assemblies will be tolerated,” sparking concern from rights groups who argue that the government is infringing on fundamental freedoms.

Online, the hashtag #SabaSaba trended throughout the morning as Kenyans voiced their frustration over the lockdown, accusing the government of heavy-handed tactics and fear of public dissent. Memes, videos, and citizen reports painted a picture of an overwhelmed city brought to its knees not by protestors but by preemptive state action.

With protests still expected to erupt in various parts of Nairobi and other towns, it remains to be seen how the day will unfold. However, one thing is clear: the spirit of Saba Saba once associated with the fight for democracy is today meeting a new generation unafraid to reclaim the streets.

Reporting by: Kelvin Ng’ang’a. Thika, Kenya – July 7, 2025