Saba Saba fever: Police lockdown a strategy or fear?

Police keep vigil as motorists are diverted along barricaded Harambee Avenue, Nairobi during the Saba Saba Day commemorations on July 7,2026. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

The heavy police lockdown witnessed during the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests and the Saba Saba commemorations has left many Kenyans questioning whether the security operation was a well-planned strategy to prevent violence or a sign of growing anxiety within the State.

Unlike previous years, when demonstrations drew large crowds and appeared better coordinated, this year's commemorations saw police mount  an unprecedented security operation that effectively sealed off key roads leading into Nairobi, drastically limiting movement and preventing protesters from converging in the city centre.

During the Gen Z anniversary, police deployed heavily in perceived protest hotspots, including Kitengela, Kangemi and Githurai. However, the anticipated crowds failed to materialise.

Coincidentally, the police boss Douglas Kanja and the Attorney General are being cited for contempt by a Kisumu court for filing to publish how they handle protests.

On Tuesday, Kisumu High Court summoned the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service (NPS) and the Attorney General Dorcus Oduor to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for failing to comply with orders requiring the development and publication of public order management regulations.

Justice Alfred Mabeya in his ruling said the three respondents had failed to comply with orders issued on March 25, 2026, directing them to prepare, develop and publish regulations governing public demonstrations and picketing within 90 days.

The judge said the orders arose from Petition No 15 of 2024, filed by victims and survivors of the 2023 anti-government protests in Kisumu, who sought justice over alleged police brutality during the demonstrations.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud defended the security measures, saying they were necessary to maintain law and order and prevent a repeat of previous protests in which lives were lost and property destroyed.

"There is no country without order. Even in your home, you cannot cook food in the sitting room and sleep in the kitchen. That is why we employed all the necessary strategies to ensure Kenyans remain safe during such days," said Mohamud.

He said no deaths or injuries were reported in Nairobi during the Saba Saba commemorations, adding that 10 people were arrested for allegedly breaching the peace.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud addresses the media during Saba Saba Anniversary at Kencom stage, Nairobi on July 7, 2026. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Mohamud praised city residents for exercising restraint, saying no major criminal incidents were reported. He added that after screening and verifying travellers at various roadblocks, police allowed legitimate travellers to proceed.

"It was a win-win situation. Citizens remained safe while police maintained law and order," he said.

The commander also maintained that police would not allow individuals "sponsored by organisations" to destroy the country, insisting officers would continue enforcing the law against those who breached the peace.

Dramatic arrest of activists and protestors as they commemorated Saba Saba Day on July 7, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The operation, however, disrupted transport and business activities, with many Nairobi residents unable to access the CBD. Many chose to follow events from their homes instead.

Saba Saba was marked by an overwhelming security presence, with police closing major roads into the city while screening motorists and passengers in an effort to prevent demonstrations.

Officers guarded strategic government installations across the CBD as businesses remained subdued, with many shops staying closed over fears of looting or vandalism.

Parliament was secured with razor wire while heavily armed officers were deployed around the precincts to deter protesters who had vowed to present petitions to legislators.

Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue and other key roads leading to State House, Parliament and government offices were closed. Mounted police patrolled the area throughout the day.

Police keep vigil as motorists are diverted along barricaded Parliament road, Nairobi during the Saba Saba Day commemorations on July 7,2026. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Police also arrested several activists marching along Harambee Avenue towards Parliament. They were bundled into police trucks as they protested, saying they were being denied their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully.

Many traders in the CBD opted not to open their businesses, fearing a repeat of previous demonstrations that were marred by looting, destruction of property and loss of life.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, one of the leading figures during the original 1990 Saba Saba movement, criticised the government's decision to seal off roads across the country.

"If I were President, I would declare Saba Saba a public holiday to honour Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Raila Odinga and the many Kenyans who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for the Second Liberation," Orengo said.

After appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, whose sitting failed to proceed, Orengo said the government's actions undermined constitutional freedoms by denying Kenyans the right to commemorate the day peacefully.

He also said the Linda Mwananchi movement remained committed to confronting poor leadership and corruption, accusing leaders allied to the government of displaying excessive opulence while ordinary Kenyans struggled economically.

Along Waiyaki Way, police deployed anti-riot trucks fitted with water cannons in Kangemi, one of Nairobi's traditional protest hotspots.

A similarly heavy security presence was witnessed along Thika Road, where multiple roadblocks and deserted public transport stages characterised the normally busy highway.

A section of Thika Super Highway on July 7, 2026, where police officers barricaded the road as part of heightened security measures during the Saba Saba commemoration. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The Standard observed unusually light traffic throughout the morning as police restricted access into the city.

Popular matatu stages, including Allsops, Roysambu, Kasarani, Kahawa Wendani and Kahawa Sukari, remained largely deserted as transport operators either suspended services or avoided the route.

Police mounted roadblocks between Allsopps and Roasters, at Roysambu and Githurai, screening motorists and public service vehicles before allowing some through and redirecting others.

In Githurai, many commuters were stranded after matatu operators withdrew services over fears of confrontations.

Although many businesses remained open, traders reported significantly reduced customer numbers.

"We opened as usual because we have bills to pay, but business has been very slow. Most of our regular customers stayed away because transport has been disrupted and people are uncertain about what might happen," said one trader who requested anonymity.

Motorists also encountered another roadblock along Jogoo Road near the Outer Ring Road interchange, where officers turned back vehicles heading towards the city while allowing outbound traffic to proceed.

Police deployed sniffer dogs at the checkpoint to inspect vehicles and screen commuters.

Police officers barricaded Jogoo Road on July 7, 2026, as part of heightened security measures during the Saba Saba commemoration. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

The heightened deployment followed a warning by the National Police Service that unlawful demonstrations and attempts to disrupt public order would not be tolerated. Police urged Kenyans to go about their normal activities, saying adequate measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.

Observed annually on July 7, Saba Saba commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy movement that demanded the restoration of multiparty democracy. In recent years, it has evolved into a platform for expressing concerns over governance, the cost of living and public accountability.

Traffic disruption extended to Jogoo Road, particularly around the City Stadium roundabout, where motorists were diverted through Enterprise Road, DT Dobie Road and Bunyala Road before rejoining Uhuru Highway.

Police also mounted roadblocks at the Jogoo Road-Landhies Road junction towards Muthurwa, allowing only outbound traffic from the CBD.

Some passengers were forced to alight and walk to Muthurwa before accessing the city centre.

At the historic Kamukunji Grounds, there was little activity as the venue remained calm. The site is currently being redeveloped into the Kamukunji Community Centre, which will include sports facilities and a recreational park.

Report by Edwin Nyarangi, Okumu Modachi and James Wanzala