Saba Saba’s Legacy Confronts New Obstacles as Police Implement Lockdown in Nairobi Amid Gen Z Protests
On a brisk and cloudy Monday morning, the residents of Nairobi looked forward to the celebration of Saba Saba Day.
However, it was the extensive security lockdown that dominated the day, overshadowing the gloomy weather. This lockdown effectively made access to the city’s central business district extremely limited.
Beginning at 5 am, law enforcement officials sealed off all routes leading into Nairobi’s city center, erecting barricades and roadblocks that disrupted public transportation and forced many commuters to walk into town.
Long-distance buses and personal vehicles faced restrictions at key intersections across the city.
At Roysambu Roundabout on Thika Road, police completely blocked entry, leaving passengers stranded and forcing some to continue on foot. A similar scenario unfolded at Allsops junction, where roadblocks severely obstructed traffic flow.
Heavy barricades were also established by police on Waiyaki Way in Kangemi.
Access Denied
Four police vehicles were stationed to completely halt traffic at Kangemi Bridge, blocking all vehicles—including long-distance buses—from entering Nairobi. These buses were seen discharging passengers at the blockade without allowing anyone through, including journalists.
Vehicles trying to enter Nairobi’s CBD via Ngong Road encountered blockages at The Junction Mall, while Uhuru Highway was closed near The Mall in Westlands.
Other significant routes such as Valley Road (blocked at DOD), State House Road (at Integrity Centre), Mombasa Road (at GM), and Thika Road (at Pangani) were similarly impeded by police barriers.
A substantial police presence was noted around Nyayo Stadium junction, Pangani, Kenyatta Hospital roundabout, and along roads leading towards State House.
Outside Kabete Police Station, long-distance buses were observed parked after being stopped from proceeding towards Nairobi CBD. By 6 am, stranded commuters began gathering at these roadblocks.
These developments followed incidents on Sunday evening in Mombasa when hundreds of youths returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani faced police interference at Dongo Kundu Bypass. Authorities voiced concerns that they might be heading to participate in Saba Saba protests.
Train Service Disruption
Compounding these issues, Kenya Railways announced late Sunday night that the 10 pm Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi would be canceled due to a “technical fault.” This abrupt decision left many travelers stranded without alternative transport options or clear information about their travel arrangements.
On Sunday evening, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged law enforcement to treat citizens with respect but warned that officers would respond firmly to any violence or looting during protests.
“Let us not criminalize peaceful demonstrations; however, those who engage in property destruction will face appropriate repercussions,” he stated during an event in Meru.
Meanwhile, Moses Kuria—a financial advisor to President William Ruto—issued a provocative warning via social media early Monday aimed at potential demonstrators: “If you destroy property, I will turn you into Kachumbari and stew.”
A Commemoration of Multiparty Democracy
Saba Saba Day marks mass protests from 1990 against former President Daniel arap Moi’s regime when Kenyans called for multiparty democracy. The day has since become a symbol of peaceful civic action and resistance against oppressive governance.
This year’s demonstrations are led by a new wave of youth activists—often referred to as Gen Z—who have grown increasingly disenchanted with Kenya’s political leadership. They are taking to the streets protesting what they view as a dysfunctional system characterized by police brutality, abductions, and extrajudicial killings.
Their anger has been exacerbated by last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests during which several young protesters were abducted or lost their lives.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga—a key figure in the original Saba Saba movement and one of the “Young Turks” opposing Moi’s government—announced on Sunday his plans to address supporters at Kamukunji Grounds for this year’s commemoration event. He expressed concern that some politicians have diluted the true meaning of Saba Saba for personal gain.
“Kamukunji holds great historical significance. If you wish to honor Saba Saba Day properly, then go there,” he remarked. “When we discuss protest actions today—where do they start or finish? We need to gather at Kamukunji and remember those who sacrificed their lives fighting for our rights.”
