Security has been ramped up in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) as police intensify patrols and mount roadblocks ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba protests scheduled for Sunday, July 7.
A spot check by The Star revealed a strong presence of law enforcement, with various security units stationed at strategic points in the city. In an unusual display, some officers were seen patrolling the streets on horseback, underscoring the government’s resolve to maintain order.
Shops and businesses across the city centre remained shuttered, with many traders opting to keep their premises closed due to fears of looting. The usually bustling Moi Avenue, especially near the National Archives and Kencom bus stops, was eerily quiet, with only a handful of pedestrians navigating the heavily guarded streets.
The annual Saba Saba demonstrations commemorate the struggle for multiparty democracy in Kenya. This year, the protests have been fueled by a rising youth-led digital movement demanding greater government accountability, transparency, and economic reforms. The momentum has been further intensified by recent protests over police brutality and allegations of extrajudicial killings.
Police have mounted roadblocks on major entry routes into the CBD, including Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Mombasa Road, Valley Road, and Uhuru Highway. Only government vehicles and those with emergency clearance are being allowed through.
The heightened security comes in the wake of previous demonstrations on June 25, which saw significant property damage due to looting. In anticipation, many business owners have barricaded their premises with metal grills, while others have completely emptied their shops to prevent losses.
Similar security measures have been reported in Mombasa, where roadblocks have been set up in Likoni, Nyali, and Changamwe. Educational institutions in urban centres have advised students to remain home, with classes expected to resume on Tuesday.
Authorities remain on high alert as the nation braces for what could be another major show of public dissent, rooted in long-standing grievances and amplified by the power of online mobilization.