Nairobi’s Central Business District came to a near standstill on Monday, July 7, as police launched a sweeping crackdown to suppress planned Saba Saba Day protests. From mid-morning, anti-riot officers blocked access to the city centre, turning away pedestrians, boda boda riders, and motorists, in a bid to prevent gatherings commemorating the historic pro-democracy protests of 1990.
At around 11 a.m., tension escalated when a group of protestors inside the CBD began chanting anti-government slogans. In response, police ordered the closure of the few business premises that had opened and cleared the streets of civilians, leaving only security personnel behind.
Massive deployments and roadblocks had been established as early as 4 a.m., with officers braving the cold to set up barriers made of spikes, razor wire, and stones on key routes leading into the city. While a few vehicles were initially allowed in, by late morning, only government vehicles with verified occupants were granted access.
Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police, Gilbert Masengeli, was spotted patrolling parts of the capital to supervise security operations and monitor compliance.
Beyond the city centre, reports of chaos emerged from Kitengela, Kahawa West, Kiserian, Kiambu Town, Ngong Town, and other satellite towns. Protesters barricaded roads with stones, tree branches, and burning debris, sparking running battles with police who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds and prevent potential looting or property damage.
By early afternoon, authorities confirmed pockets of unrest in several locations and announced the dispatch of additional reinforcements to restore order.
The protests marked the anniversary of the original Saba Saba demonstrations of 1990, a turning point in Kenya’s history that catalyzed the return of multiparty democracy. This year’s events, however, reflect a new wave of public dissatisfaction — driven by rising living costs, allegations of police brutality, and government crackdowns on dissent.
Educational institutions in urban centres remained closed, with many advising students to stay home amid security concerns.
While smaller protests were also reported in towns like Karatina and Mwea, the heavy-handed police response across the country underscored the government’s firm stance against civil disobedience.
