Saba Saba: Nairobi gridlocked

By Vera Mokeira 

As of 6am Monday, Nairobi appeared largely inaccessible; heavy police presence and roadblocks at key locations. 

Thika Road was blocked at Pangani, Mombasa Road at Nyayo Stadium, Kiambu Road near DCI headquarters, and Ngong Road at the City Mortuary. Early commuters, including workers and businesspeople, reported being turned away from these access points as early as 5am.

These disruptions follow actions taken by authorities on Sunday evening. Hundreds of Nairobi-bound youth, returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani, were stopped by police at the Dongo Kundu Bypass in Mombasa.

Police cited their suspected intent to participate in the Saba Saba protests as the reason for turning them back.

Adding to the travel woes, Kenya Railways canceled the midnight train from Mombasa to Nairobi, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The official reason provided was a "technical fault," but the short notice of the cancellation raised concerns among affected travelers.

Ahead of the planned demonstrations, prominent figures issued warnings. Moses Kuria, an economic advisor to President William Ruto, tweeted early Monday morning, cautioning that individuals who destroy property during the protests would face severe consequences.

Saba Saba commemorates the nationwide protests on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans demanded free elections and the establishment of a multiparty democracy. Every year, peaceful protests are held on this date to mark the historic challenge to Kenya's constitution that ultimately led to the formation of multiple political parties.

Former Opposition leader Raila Odinga, a participant in the 1990 Saba Saba events, announced a rally at Kamukunji grounds for this year's commemoration.