Kenya marks 35th Saba Saba under heavy police lockdown as Nairobi CBD deserted
As early as 5 am, police sealed off all roads leading to Nairobi’s city centre, erecting barricades and roadblocks that disrupted public transport and forced many commuters to walk into town.
A cold, overcast morning welcomed Nairobi residents on Monday as the country prepared to commemorate Saba Saba Day.
However, it was the sweeping security lockdown—not the gloomy weather—that dominated the day, rendering the city’s central business district nearly inaccessible.
Long-distance buses and private vehicles were also turned away at key junctions across the city.
At the Roysambu Roundabout on Thika Road, police fully blocked access, stranding passengers and prompting some to walk to their destinations. A similar scene unfolded at the Allsops junction, where roadblocks severely restricted traffic flow.
On Waiyaki Way in Kangemi, police officers had mounted heavy barricades.
In the Nairobi CBD, streets remained deserted with businesses closed.
In Kisii town, protesters started gathering in the streets mid-morning on Saba Saba Day.
Current situation in Kisii town. #SabaSaba pic.twitter.com/AOFje7DgtL
— PEOPLE DAILY (@PeopleDailyKe) July 7, 2025
Live: Updates
Mukuru kwa Njenga residents speak out, criticise former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for missing the Saba Saba Day event, despite assuring Sunday he will attend.
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga says the numerous police roadblocks across the city have made it hard for people to access Kamukunji Grounds to mark Saba Saba Day.
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Police arrive at QuickMart in Roysambu, where several looters are reportedly trapped inside, to apprehend those inside.
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Jogoo Road and its feeder roads remain impassable as police attempt to disperse protesting youth in satellite estates along the route.
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Two people shot in Kangemi as protestors engage the police in running battles. One confirmed dead. Video of the deceased's body lying in the street sparks further outrage.
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One person has been injured after police threw tear gas to disperse protesters along Jogoo Road in Nairobi.
Police throw tear gas on protesters on Jogoo Road. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)As tensions rose in Nairobi’s central business district on Monday morning, traders took matters into their own hands, arming themselves with crude weapons to protect their businesses from potential looting during the Saba Saba protests.
“We came out today as young people to guard our businesses because tomorrow, we still need to look for food,” one of the traders in downtown Nairobi said.
Traders in Nairobi CBD stand guard outside their business premises on July 7, 2025 during Saba Saba Day. (Photo: Amina Wako)Police have arrested about 10 individuals found in Nairobi CBD.
The men were loaded into a police lorry and taken to Central Police Station.
(Photo: Amina Wako)
Despite security officials yesterday urging normal business operations on Saba Saba Day, Eastleigh remains largely deserted, with most major malls and shops still shut.
Closed shops in Eastleigh on Saba Saba Day. (Photo Abdirahman Khalif)Koja Roundabout stage, one of Nairobi’s busiest bus termini, remains deserted on Saba Saba Day as no matatus are allowed into the CBD.
A police truck mans the empty Koja Roundabout stage (Photo: Amina Wako)Most shops and malls in Eastleigh remain closed over fears of attacks by organised gangs on Saba Saba day. While security officials had urged traders to keep their businesses open, the majority opted to stay shut, including several major shopping centres.
The usually bustling General Waruingi Street and Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue are eerily quiet, with only a handful of pedestrians in sight. Police have maintained a visible presence, patrolling the area to uphold order and prevent any unrest.
Closed shops along Eastleigh's Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)In Kisii town, protesters started gathering in the streets mid-morning on Saba Saba Day.
The protesters could be heard screaming and blowing whistles.
Businesses at the junction of Muindi Mbingu Street and Kenyatta Avenue remain closed with no activity as the area stays quiet on Saba Saba Day.
An empty Muindi Bingu Street. (Photo: Amina Wako)Most streets in Nairobi CBD remain empty with no businesses open on Saba Saba Day.
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Police have barricaded roads leading to the Nairobi CBD, preventing people from accessing the city centre
An empty Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD. (Photo: Amina Wako)As Kenya marks Saba Saba Day, Mombasa remains calm, with police officers spotted on patrol in the Mapembeni area.
At the Roysambu Roundabout along Thika Road, police completely blocked access, leaving passengers stranded and forcing some to continue their journey on foot.
There was tension at Kahawa Wendani near Kahawa Garrison on Thika Road, where police erected a roadblock early morning and turned back motorists amid heightened Saba Saba Day security.
Roads in the area remain largely deserted.
Born out of the 1990 fight for multiparty democracy, the Saba Saba movement has taken on new life.
Today, a new generation, led by Gen Z, is marching for jobs, justice, free expression, and an end to police brutality.
This year’s protests come just days after the deadly June 25 demonstrations that claimed over 20 lives.
Police turn back motorists at a roadblock set up at Kahawa Wendani near Kahawa Garrison on Thika Road during Saba Saba Day. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
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