Tension gripped parts of Nairobi on Monday as police arrested a group of boda boda riders suspected of aiding protesters to infiltrate the city’s Central Business District (CBD) during the Saba Saba commemorations. The riders, along with their motorcycles, were seized at the busy Globe Roundabout and loaded into a police lorry, sparking concern among residents and observers.
Security agencies had earlier issued firm directives barring public demonstrations within the CBD, citing the need to maintain public order. As part of a wider operation, police established multiple roadblocks and sealed off key city entry points to restrict movement and prevent protests from gaining ground.
Despite the stern warnings, some boda boda riders allegedly attempted to ferry individuals past the roadblocks into the restricted zone. Authorities suspect the riders were trying to bypass security barriers, leading to their prompt arrest during the city-wide security sweep.
In a video captured during the arrests, officers are seen escorting the detained riders and loading their motorcycles onto a police lorry, a scene that drew attention from bystanders. The incident occurred amid a visible police presence along major thoroughfares including Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, and Kenyatta Avenue.
The security crackdown caused widespread disruption. Public service vehicles were unable to access the city centre, forcing commuters to disembark and walk long distances to their destinations. Only vehicles with official clearance such as those belonging to government officials, emergency services, and law enforcement were allowed through.
Saba Saba, observed every year on July 7, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history. The 1990 protests laid the groundwork for the restoration of multiparty democracy, and the day has since evolved into a powerful symbol for civic activism. In recent years, it has been embraced by youth-led movements and civil society organizations to highlight ongoing issues such as unemployment, police brutality, and economic inequality.
While law enforcement officers maintained that the day would proceed without disruption, they reiterated that peaceful demonstrations would be allowed outside the CBD. Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli dismissed reports that Kenyans were being denied access to their workplaces, insisting that no one was being blocked arbitrarily.
“We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful,” he said.
As the day progressed, the standoff between protesters and police continued to simmer, underscoring the delicate balance between safeguarding public order and upholding the right to peaceful assembly. The fate of the arrested riders remains unclear as security operations continue across the capital.
