NAIROBI, Kenya — Saba Saba demonstrations are unfolding across parts of Kenya, with heavy police deployments, roadblocks, transport disruptions and reports of business closures in Nairobi.
Follow our live updates as events develop.
9:25 AM
Parliament Buildings are under heavy guard, with anti-riot police deployed around the precincts to prevent Saba Saba protesters from accessing the area.
8:43 AM
Police have mounted a second roadblock along Waiyaki Way at Kangemi, further tightening access into Nairobi as security operations intensify.
8:25 AM
Roadblocks and checkpoints reported:
- Thika Road: Blue Post, Githurai and Allsops. Nairobi-bound traffic from Ruiru is being diverted through the Kimbo service lane.
- Mombasa Road: Security checkpoint near Cabanas screening vehicles heading into the city.
- Juja Road: Police have blocked access.
- Lang’ata Road: Heightened security deployment and checkpoints.
- Kiambu Road: Roadblocks mounted with restricted access in some sections.
- Ngong Road: Police checkpoints reported.
- Waiyaki Way: Security screening and traffic diversions at several points.
- Jogoo Road: Heavy police presence amid transport disruptions into the CBD.
8:17 AM
Some schools in Nairobi and Kiambu counties have reportedly begun sending learners home or turning away students due to transport disruptions and uncertainty surrounding the demonstrations.
8:00 AM
Heavy traffic has built up at Allsops Junction along Thika Superhighway after police established a checkpoint to inspect vehicles heading towards Nairobi, causing significant delays.
7:59 AM
Access to Nairobi CBD via Waiyaki Way has been cut off after police mounted a roadblock at Uthiru 87. Vehicles are being redirected away from the city centre.
7:41 AM
Security firm Securex Agencies reported widespread police roadblocks across Nairobi, including along Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Kiambu Road, Ngong Road and Waiyaki Way.
The firm also reported normal business activity in Mombasa despite heightened security elsewhere.
7:26 AM
Traffic along Thika Superhighway remained lighter than usual, with many commuters staying off the roads amid expectations of demonstrations.
7:24 AM
Kiambu Road has reportedly been closed, disrupting access into Nairobi as motorists seek alternative routes.
7:05 AM
Public service vehicles operating along the Jogoo Road corridor are no longer being allowed into Nairobi CBD, with many terminating at City Stadium.
Large numbers of commuters have been forced to walk into the city, while police continue dispersing crowds in parts of Jogoo Road.
6:50 AM
Police fired tear gas along Jogoo Road while dispersing groups gathered ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Videos circulating on social media and eyewitness accounts showed people running from the area.
6:45 AM
Traffic built up along sections of Waiyaki Way and Thika Road as motorists encountered police roadblocks and security checks.
6:42 AM
Police mounted a checkpoint at the Kenyatta Road–Thika Road junction, slowing traffic as vehicles underwent security screening.
Police Security Measures
The heightened deployment follows a notice issued by the National Police Service on Monday announcing enhanced security checkpoints across Nairobi during the Saba Saba anniversary.
The police said the measures were informed by previous Saba Saba commemorations that had resulted in breaches of peace and disruption of business.
The service urged members of the public to cooperate with officers at checkpoints and comply with lawful instructions.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available…