Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli has dismissed allegations of a lockdown in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) despite a heavy police presence and numerous roadblocks across the city on Monday morning, July 8.
Speaking during a press briefing, DIG Masengeli assured Kenyans that movement into the CBD remains unrestricted, urging citizens to uphold the rule of law and conduct any protests peacefully.
“Everyone is getting to work without any issues. No one is being turned away,” Masengeli stated. “We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful.”
However, many Nairobi residents experienced significant disruptions as police mounted multiple roadblocks on major highways and access routes leading into the city. Key roads affected included Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Thika Road, Uhuru Highway, Kiambu Road, Kenyatta Avenue, and Valley Road, with long queues forming during peak hours.
Security checks focused on both private and public service vehicles, resulting in delays and leaving hundreds of commuters stranded. Emergency and government vehicles were prioritized, while many city workers were forced to walk long distances to reach their workplaces. One hospitality worker reported trekking from Westlands to the city centre due to the vehicular restrictions.
Businesses within the CBD also responded to the heightened security. Several premises were barricaded with metal grills, reflecting fears of potential unrest or looting as Kenyans marked Saba Saba Day a day historically associated with pro-democracy protests.
The government, however, downplayed the significance of the day. On Sunday, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku clarified that July 7 was not a public holiday. “All public servants in the Republic of Kenya are expected to report to work at 8 am and remain there until 5 pm,” Ruku emphasized during an event in Embu County.
As tension simmers between citizens demanding reforms and authorities seeking to maintain order, the situation in Nairobi remains closely watched, with calls for calm and peaceful expression of dissent echoing from both the government and civil society.
