Nairobi gripped by tension as Saba Saba protests trigger roadblocks, business closures

Nairobi awoke to a city under siege today morning as heightened security measures and widespread disruptions marked the lead up to the planned Saba Saba protests.

Police erected roadblocks and barricades across major routes into the Central Business District (CBD) as early as 4:00 a.m., leaving thousands of commuters stranded and businesses reeling from losses.

Key arteries, including Thika Road at Roysambu and Guru Nanak, Waiyaki Way near Kangemi Flyover, Mombasa Road at GM Motors, Juja Road at Pangani Interchange, and Lang'ata Road near T-Mall, were sealed off.

Other routes, such as Valley Road near the Department of Defence and Integrity Centre, were also blocked, with heavy barriers and razor wire on roads like University Way preventing vehicles from entering the CBD.

Many commuters were forced to abandon buses and walk long distances to reach the city center.

Public transport faced severe disruptions, with matatus stopped or rerouted, leaving passengers stranded for hours.

Workers heading to their jobs reported being stuck, with no clear way to access the CBD, exacerbating the chaos.

Inside the CBD, a heavy police presence dominated streets like Kenyatta Avenue, Haile Selassie Roundabout, Moi Avenue, Parliament Road, and Harambee Avenue.

Routine patrols were also visible along Ronald Ngala Street and River Road, reinforcing the tight security cordon.

The ripple effects were felt across the business community, with many shops in the CBD remaining shut.

Shop owners cited fears of looting, recalling losses from previous protests where businesses were targeted. Some reported losing goods worth millions of shillings, compounding the economic toll of the disruptions.

Police have vowed to prevent any illegal protests, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining order.

Authorities have urged Kenyans to stay safe, avoid volatile areas, and stay informed as the situation unfolds.