Police DIG's claims contradicted by reality

By Michele Ochumi

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has denied reports of Kenyans being denied access to Nairobi’s CBD and other major roads in the city on Saba Saba day.

“Everybody is getting into the CBD, everybody is going for duty as normal”, said Masengeli.

This is despite the presence of barricades mounted by police on strategic points leading to the Nairobi CBD.

The DIG said that no Kenyan would be turned away, despite the fact that hundreds had been turned away and others forced to wait at designated areas.

“You’ll not be turned away. Ours is just to urge everybody to keep peace and confine within the rule of law”, said Masengeli, urging Kenyans to keep peace on Saba Saba day.

As early as 4 am, roads leading to the capital were barricaded with motorists being forced to turn back or to camp along the barricaded entrances.

City dweller heading to work were forced to trek several kilometers to their places of work with public transport remaining paralyzed as well.

The disruption has since attracted harsh criticism towards the State over the ill-informed action, with questions arising over the government’s will to uphold the rule of law.

The barricades have prevented thousands of citizens from reporting to their workplace.

This is despite a directive by public service CS Geoffrey Ruku that all civil servants will be required to report to their workplace.

Meanwhile, in Kisii, the Saba Saba protests took a different turn, with demonstrators taking to the streets to express their grievances. The Kisii CBD was shut down as protesters marched through the town, calling for change and accountability from the government 

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing criticism and disruption caused by the barricades.

The Saba Saba protests in Kisii and other parts of the country have highlighted the deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans, and the government will need to take concrete steps to address these concerns.