Major roads into Nairobi city centre blocked ahead of protest

There was an unusual silence in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi on Monday July 7, 2025. Major streets were empty and schools remained shut. Malls had closed their doors. And an air of tension hung over the city. Security forces had cordoned off all major routes leading into the city centre, blocking traffic for miles. This was in anticipation of the Saba Saba protests, a symbolic nationwide demonstration held annually to mark the fight for democracy that began back in the 1990s.

This year’s commemoration comes at a particularly charged moment. In the early hours of the morning, hundreds of commuters were turned away at checkpoints, some set up more than 10 kilometers from central Nairobi. Only a handful of vehicles were allowed through. Those on foot found streets leading to critical government buildings like State House and Parliament blocked off with razor wire.

The city centre, typically bustling with life on a Monday morning, was eerily quiet. A heavy security presence patrolled the nearly deserted streets. Some schools had already advised parents not to send children in, bracing for potential unrest.

Over the weekend, tensions rose further when unidentified individuals stormed the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, disrupting a press conference planned for Sunday. One board member was reportedly injured during the incident. The press briefing had been organized by women activists calling for an end to police brutality ahead of the protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning on Sunday evening. He assured the public that security agencies would ensure order and protect property but warned that authorities would not hesitate to act against anyone attempting to hijack the demonstrations for violent ends.

“Criminal elements seeking to infiltrate peaceful processions and cause destruction will be dealt with firmly,” Murkomen said via his official X account.

Public frustration has been building over the past several weeks. The death of Albert Ojwang; a teacher and blogger while in police custody in June sparked outrage. His case has become a rallying cry for demonstrators. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 19 people lost their lives during protests last month alone.

Civil society groups have raised alarm over the growing number of incidents involving armed gangs often referred to as “goons” who have been accused of looting and attacking demonstrators during recent protests. Many activists believe there is collusion between these groups and law enforcement claims that police have firmly denied.

This year’s Saba Saba marks the 35th anniversary of the historic 1990 rally that helped dismantle Kenya’s one-party political system. It is more than just a protest to many but a reminder of the country’s long and painful journey toward democracy and a call not to take those freedoms for granted.