Thousands Affected as Police Restrict Access to Nairobi CBD
Police established roadblocks across major routes into Nairobi on Thursday, severely disrupting transport and limiting access to the city ahead of demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests.
Long traffic jams formed on major roads leading into the capital, including Thika Road, Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way. At Ruiru, Githurai, Allsops and Kimbo, police turned back matatus and buses, leaving many commuters stranded.
Similar delays were reported at Mlolongo, where a checkpoint set up before dawn caused traffic to back up as far as Lukenya. Motorists travelling from Machakos and the Coast region encountered three separate roadblocks before reaching Nairobi.
Along Waiyaki Way, officers at Kangemi stopped public service vehicles and allowed only a limited number of screened private vehicles to proceed. Access points closer to the city centre, including Bunyala Road, City Stadium and the Kenyatta National Hospital roundabouts, were also closed.
As a result, many residents from eastern parts of the city were forced to walk considerable distances to reach their workplaces. The restrictions were accompanied by a strong police deployment across the central business district. Officers were stationed around key locations, including Parliament, State House and other government offices.
Security vehicles were also positioned outside Serena Hotel, where opposition leaders were meeting. Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli said the roadblocks were intended to stop the movement of individuals carrying weapons or seeking to cause disorder during the demonstrations.
Business activity slowed across the city as traders delayed opening their premises and transport operators reported losses from cancelled trips and reduced passenger numbers. Some business owners also arranged private security and local vigilante groups to protect their premises from possible looting or vandalism.
The demonstrations, organised by Gen Z activists, are being held in memory of those who died during last year’s protests. The 2024 demonstrations culminated in the storming of Parliament and triggered nationwide demands for accountability, governance reforms and greater oversight of the police.
The scale of Thursday’s security operation reflects official efforts to prevent a repeat of the unrest seen in 2024. However, the restrictions have also renewed debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the right to peaceful assembly.
By mid-morning, large parts of Nairobi remained difficult to access, with thousands of commuters affected and many businesses operating below normal capacity as the city prepared for the anniversary demonstrations.
