Several Arrested While Protesting Outside Ruto’s Office During Saba Saba Demonstrations
Several activists were arrested on Tuesday after attempting to hold a peaceful Saba Saba protest outside President William Ruto’s office along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi.
The group had gathered carrying Kenyan flags and hoped to express their concerns through a peaceful demonstration before plainclothes police officers moved in to stop them.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters had only been at the location for a short time when men believed to be police officers, but dressed in civilian clothes, surrounded them. Videos circulating online showed the activists being forcefully pushed into nearby Subaru vehicles as they shouted for help.
Some of those being arrested were heard pleading with the officers, saying, “Stop arresting us, you are killing us. Leave us alone,” while trying to resist being taken away.
The area surrounding the Office of the President was under tight security throughout the morning. Police officers had heavily guarded Harambee Avenue and nearby government offices, preventing any large gathering from taking place. Security personnel quickly dispersed the protesters before more people could join the demonstration.
By Tuesday afternoon, authorities had not officially confirmed where the arrested activists had been taken. However, reports indicated that many of them were likely being held at Central Police Station as investigations continued.
Police had not immediately released the identities of those arrested or announced whether any charges would be filed against them.
The arrests have once again raised concerns over the conduct of security officers during public demonstrations. This comes only days after court orders directed that police officers assigned to manage protests should wear official uniforms and remain clearly identifiable while carrying out their duties.
Human rights groups have continued to question the use of plainclothes officers during public operations, arguing that it makes accountability more difficult.
The incident took place as security agencies maintained a strong presence across Nairobi during this year’s Saba Saba commemorations.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed across major roads, government buildings, and key public areas in an effort to prevent demonstrations from escalating into unrest. Several parts of the city remained under close surveillance throughout the day.
Earlier in the morning, thousands of commuters experienced major transport disruptions after police mounted roadblocks along sections of Thika Road and other major highways leading into the city.
Many public service vehicles were stopped before reaching Nairobi’s Central Business District, forcing passengers to walk long distances or search for alternative means of transport.
Traffic delays were reported in several locations, including Kimbo, Kihunguro, and the Eastern Bypass junction, where security officers carried out vehicle inspections and restricted movement into the city centre.
The heavy security measures led to long traffic jams and left many workers and business owners stranded for hours.
Despite the tense situation in Nairobi, reports from other parts of the country indicated a relatively peaceful atmosphere.
Cities such as Kisumu continued with normal business activities, with no major incidents reported during the day. Residents in several regions were able to go about their daily routines without significant disruptions.
The latest arrests have added to the growing tension surrounding this year’s Saba Saba commemorations. The day has been marked by increased police deployment, road closures, transport interruptions, and continued attempts by activists to organize demonstrations in different parts of the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, many Kenyans are closely watching how both the government and security agencies respond to the ongoing protests and calls for accountability.
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