Traffic along several major highways outside Nairobi was brought to a standstill on Monday, July 7, as Saba Saba Day protests erupted in different regions across Kenya.
Exclusive images shared with Newshub.co.ke captured chaotic scenes along the Karatina-Nairobi Highway and the Embu-Nairobi Highway.
Protesters were seen blocking roads using large stones while burning tyres and wood, making it impossible for vehicles to pass.
The demonstrations forced many businesses located along the affected highways to shut down temporarily due to rising security concerns.
Police officers were deployed to several of the scenes in an attempt to contain the unrest, but their efforts appeared to have little effect as the protests intensified.
“It started very early and things are only getting worse. The situation is escalating,” said one protester from Mwea.
According to protest organizers, the demonstrations are part of this year’s Saba Saba Day events, aimed at pressuring President William Ruto’s administration to address a growing list of public grievances, including the high cost of living, governance issues, and alleged human rights abuses.
In Nairobi, security was heightened with police setting up multiple roadblocks across major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD), an area that is often the focal point for large-scale protests. As a result, thousands of people were unable to access the city center.
Several key roads were affected, including Thika Road at Roysambu, Kasarani, and Guri Nanak areas, Mombasa Road at the GM and Bunyala roundabouts, and the Eastern Bypass near the 75 Roundabout. Other blocked routes included Waiyaki Way, Kangundo Road, and Jogoo Road.
Additional roadblocks were also set up along Kiambu Road, Landhies Road, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Arwings Kodhek, and Valley Road early Monday morning. These measures disrupted normal traffic flow across the city and beyond.
Public service vehicles (PSVs) were forced to terminate trips upon reaching the roadblocks, leaving only private vehicles to proceed — and even then, only after thorough inspections. This situation left many workers stranded and unable to reach their workplaces in time.
Speaking on Sunday, July 6, in Embu, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku insisted that government operations would continue as usual. He emphasized that all civil servants were expected to report to work on time, despite the anticipated protests.
The government had earlier assured the public of their safety and promised that adequate security measures were in place to prevent violence and protect property. Officials urged business owners across the country to open their businesses without fear.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Police Service (NPS) delivered a strong warning to protestors, stating that any individual who attempted to disrupt peaceful protests or engage in criminal activity would face legal consequences.
NPS reminded police officers to maintain professionalism in handling demonstrators and urged members of the public not to provoke law enforcement officers during the demonstrations.
“Entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted zones is a direct violation of The Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 of the Laws of Kenya, and will result in immediate legal action,” read the NPS statement.
The police further warned that acts such as looting, vandalism, property destruction, road barricades, and inciting violence under the guise of peaceful demonstrations are criminal offenses and will be met with firm action from security agencies.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui also weighed in on the matter through a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, July 5. He called on the public to stay alert and avoid participating in destructive actions.
“While the right to protest is protected, it must not be abused or taken over by criminal elements. Unfortunately, we are seeing a trend where demonstrations are used to justify attacks on businesses,” said Kinyanjui. “Business owners are constantly living in fear of being targeted and suffering losses due to violent protests.”
As of Monday afternoon, tensions remained high in several counties, and the situation was still developing. Authorities continued to monitor the protests as they unfolded across various parts of the country.
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