A heavy police deployment across Nairobi disrupted planned Saba Saba demonstrations on Tuesday, with security officers sealing off key roads, blocking protest assembly points and arresting several demonstrators attempting to march into the Central Business District (CBD).
From the early hours of the morning, anti-riot police established roadblocks and mounted security checkpoints on major roads leading into the capital, including Thika Road and Jogoo Road, while access to areas surrounding Parliament remained heavily restricted.
Police also cordoned off Jeevanjee Gardens, where activists had planned to begin their march before proceeding to Parliament. After organizers relocated the gathering to Aga Khan Walk, plainclothes and uniformed officers moved in and arrested several protesters who attempted to march along Harambee Avenue.
The protesters later regrouped at All Saints Cathedral, where they accused police of violating their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration by preventing the planned march from taking place.
The operation followed a directive issued on Monday by Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, who declared the planned demonstrations unlawful, arguing that organizers had failed to issue the mandatory notice required under the Public Order Act.
“We have seen calls for demonstrations on social media, but no formal notification was submitted to the police as required by law,” Mohamud said, warning that anyone participating in the protests would face legal action.
Despite earlier assurances that public transport would continue operating normally, commuters experienced significant disruptions as police diverted vehicles from key entry points into the city. Motorists travelling along Thika Road were redirected to the Kimbo service lane, while traffic along Jogoo Road was turned back at the City Stadium roundabout, resulting in traffic congestion and delays.
The annual Saba Saba commemoration marks the July 7, 1990 pro-democracy protests that paved the way for the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in Kenya. In recent years, the day has evolved into a platform for demonstrations over governance, accountability, the cost of living and human rights.
Elsewhere, Mombasa remained largely peaceful, with Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru commending residents for maintaining calm and observing the law during the commemorations.
