Police block pedestrians from Nairobi CBD /CYRUS OMBATI

Anti-riot police on Monday blocked even pedestrians from accessing Nairobi’s Central Business District as part of efforts to thwart planned protests marking Saba Saba Day.

From 11 am, officers turned away all pedestrians, boda boda riders, and motorists after a group that had managed to access the city centre began chanting anti-government slogans.

Police ordered the few business premises that were open to shut down and drove out anyone still on the streets, leaving only security guards in town.

Elsewhere in Nairobi’s outskirts, chaos was reported in Kitengela, Kiserian, Kahawa West, Kiambu Town, Ngong Town, and several satellite towns.

Running battles erupted as police struggled to disperse demonstrators who had barricaded roads with stones, twigs, and bonfires. Tear gas was fired to scatter crowds amid fears of looting and vandalism.

By 12:30 pm, authorities confirmed pockets of unrest in the affected areas and announced reinforcements had been deployed to contain the situation.

Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli personally patrolled parts of Nairobi to assess the deployment and ensure compliance.

Earlier in the day, police had set up barricades on major routes leading into the CBD from as early as 4 am. Officers braved the chilly morning as they erected roadblocks with spikes, razor wire, and stones.

Police block pedestrians from Nairobi CBD /CYRUS OMBATI

Initially, a few vehicles were allowed into the city centre, but hours later only government vehicles were permitted entry, with occupants required to identify themselves.

The police had vowed not to allow any disruption during the day. Many schools and colleges in urban areas advised students to stay home and resume classes on Tuesday, citing safety concerns following recent protests over police brutality and extrajudicial killings.

Protests were also reported in Karatina and Mwea, though on a smaller scale.

Saba Saba, Swahili for “Seven Seven,” commemorates July 7, 1990, when Kenyans took to the streets demanding the return of multiparty democracy.

The protests, violently suppressed at the time, were pivotal in repealing Section 2A of the Constitution and ending Kenya’s one-party rule under President Moi’s Kanu regime.

This year’s anniversary comes amid heightened public anger over the rising cost of living and police crackdowns on government critics and demonstrations, many of which have resulted in deaths and injuries.

Police block pedestrians from Nairobi CBD /CYRUS OMBATI