NAIROBI, Kenya – Motorists in Nairobi woke up to chaos on Monday morning as police set up multiple roadblocks along key roads leading into and out of the capital, effectively paralysing movement and stranding thousands of commuters.
The impromptu security checks, which come just a day after the Saba Saba protests, affected both private vehicles and public service vehicles (PSVs), leading to heavy traffic congestion and widespread frustration across the city.
According to eyewitness accounts and images shared online, roadblocks were mounted at several strategic points including:
- Mombasa Road near Sameer Business Park
- Lang’ata Road next to 1824 in Madaraka
- Kiambu Road near the CID Headquarters
- Donholm, Roysambu Roundabout, Spring Valley Road, Ngong Road, and Kangemi Flyover
- Limuru Road near UN Avenue
- Madaraka Roundabout heading towards Nyayo Stadium
Other major arteries such as Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Uhuru Highway, and Valley Road were also under heavy police presence, with checkpoints manned by officers turning away or inspecting vehicles.
Only emergency vehicles and select government convoys were being allowed to pass freely, leaving regular motorists stuck for hours or forced to abandon their journeys.
The Nairobi Police Command has not officially commented on the operation, but officers at various checkpoints told reporters they were acting on orders from “above” to restrict movement into the central business district (CBD) as a precautionary measure following Sunday’s protests.
Several schools across Nairobi and other urban centres advised parents to keep children at home, postponing Monday classes until Tuesday.
The move comes in light of recent unrest and fears that protest-related violence could resurface.
A similar lockdown-style operation was also reported in Mombasa, with police erecting roadblocks in Likoni, Nyali, and Changamwe, intensifying public concern over freedom of movement and the government’s handling of dissent.
Businesses in Nairobi’s CBD had already taken precautions over the weekend, installing metal grills and security barriers in anticipation of looting or vandalism.
On Waiyaki Way, travellers returning from upcountry were forced to disembark near Uthiru after officers blocked Kangemi Bridge, prompting many to walk long distances to find alternate routes or reach their destinations on foot.
The latest security clampdown adds to growing unease over the government’s response to civil unrest and criticism of the use of excessive force during peaceful demonstrations.
Families from upcountry stranded along Waiyaki Way as travel buses parked outside Kabete Police Station on July 7. 📸LEAH MUKANGAI #starkenyanews
