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No entry, no exit: List of roads blocked by police amid Saba Saba demonstrations

Published 2 days ago3 minute read

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Kenyans across the country will be marking the 35th Saba Saba Day on Monday, July 7, with planned protests unfolding amid heightened security.

Police mounted roadblocks on several roads leading to Nairobi CBD.
Motorists were stranded as police blocked roads leading to Nairobi CBD. Photo: Mzalendo Mzalendo.
Source: Facebook

Despite earlier police assurances to safeguard peaceful demonstrations, a heavy deployment of security personnel and extensive roadblocks brought Nairobi and several towns to a standstill.

In the capital, major roads leading into the Central Business District (CBD) were barricaded, effectively locking down the city.

Commuters were stranded, with many forced to walk long distances as vehicles were turned away.

Streets in Nairobi were eerily empty as police patrolled the city ahead of planned demonstrations.

In Kangemi, police officers barricaded Waiyaki Way, barring all vehicular access to the CBD. Long-distance buses were parked outside Kabete Police Station, unable to proceed due to the blockade.

Similar scenes played out in other regions.

In Rongai, anti-riot police mounted a roadblock between Rongai town and Multi-Media University. Residents attempting to access the city were stopped, leaving many stranded.

Tensions flared as frustrated crowds gathered at the checkpoint, engaging in heated exchanges with law enforcement.

Eldoret's Uganda Highway saw minimal activity, while in Kiambu county, protesters took to the streets in Zimmerman, blocking Kamiti Road and lighting fires. Businesses in the area remained closed as a precaution.

Protesters also blocked Mwea in Kirinyaga county. Travellers to Nairobi were advised to take the alternative route from Karatina through Sagana at Kibingoti near the Banana Market.

Even with the blockade and bad weather, several Kenyans have attended the protests.

Meanwhile, ODM leader Raila Odinga called on Kenyans to commemorate this year’s Saba Saba Day at Kamukunji Grounds, confirming his attendance at the event.

Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to commemorate Saba Saba Day at the Kamukunji Grounds.
ODM leader Raila Odinga was pictured at a past event. Photo: Raila Odinga.
Source: AFP

He discouraged protesters from converging in the CBD, directing them instead to Kamukunji, a site of historical and political significance in Kenya’s democratic journey.

Raila emphasised that Kamukunji Grounds holds symbolic value, particularly in remembering those who lost their lives in past struggles for freedom and justice.

He maintained that, even decades later, the ideals behind Saba Saba remain largely unmet.

The opposition leader lamented the continued violation of human rights, including instances of police brutality, and noted that critical reforms envisioned in the 2010 Constitution have yet to be fully realised.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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