NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have mounted security checkpoints and roadblocks on major roads leading into and within Nairobi as the country marks the annual Saba Saba anniversary, triggering heavy traffic congestion and disrupting commuter movement across the capital.
The heightened security operation follows an earlier directive by the National Police Service (NPS) announcing enhanced security measures to maintain public order during the July 7 commemorations, which have historically been associated with pro-democracy demonstrations.
Motorists entering the city on Tuesday morning were subjected to security screening, with police maintaining a strong presence at strategic entry points.
Roads affected
The roadblocks were established on several major routes leading into the Nairobi Central Business District and surrounding areas, including:
- Thika Road
- Jogoo Road
- Pangani Interchange
- Kiambu Road
- Outer Ring Road
- Lang’ata Road
- Roads leading to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Additional checkpoints were reported at:
- Blue Post
- Ruiru
- Githurai
- Allsops
The heavy deployment caused lengthy traffic snarl-ups, with some passengers reportedly required to alight from public service vehicles to undergo security checks.
A spot check by Y News found both private and public service vehicles backed up at several checkpoints as officers conducted inspections.
Police cite security concerns
In a public notice issued on Monday, the National Police Service said the operation was informed by previous incidents of violence during Saba Saba commemorations.
“NPS wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of experience during the Saba Saba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the statement said.
The service added that the enhanced checkpoints were intended to regulate both pedestrian and vehicular movement.
“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement.”
Police urged members of the public to cooperate with officers and warned that unlawful acts would attract legal action.
Conflicting positions over planned protests
The security operation comes amid uncertainty over planned Saba Saba demonstrations.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received the mandatory notification required under the Public Order Act and warned that any unauthorised gathering would be treated as unlawful.
Speaking to Citizen TV, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also said authorities were acting on reports of possible demonstrations but maintained that police operations would remain guided by the law.
“We are not aware of a protest. There have been rumours, talk about rumours, but we have to stick with the law,” Muchiri said.
However, a coalition of human rights organisations has maintained that the demonstrations will proceed, arguing that it submitted the required notification to police ahead of the planned protests.
The groups say the demonstrations are intended to demand accountability over alleged police killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and the prosecution of officers implicated in the unlawful use of force.
Saba Saba, commemorated every July 7, marks the 1990 pro-democracy movement that campaigned for the restoration of multiparty democracy in Kenya. Over the years, the anniversary has evolved into a platform for demonstrations on governance, accountability and constitutional rights.