Tension in Nairobi as Saba Saba Protests Grip the Nation
By The Star Team | July 7, 2025
Protesters marching on Thika Road heading for Nairobi CBD during Saba Saba demonstrations. PHOTO/The Star
Nairobi, Kenya – Tension gripped Nairobi on Monday morning as hundreds of protesters, mainly from the Gen Z generation, poured onto major roads to mark Saba Saba Day with renewed calls for justice and accountability.
In dramatic scenes, a group of youths was spotted walking along Thika Road towards the CBD, chanting anti-government slogans and waving placards denouncing corruption, police brutality, and poor governance.
Police Seal Off Nairobi CBD
The National Police Service deployed heavily armed officers across Nairobi, sealing off all major roads leading to the CBD. Commuters were left stranded as barricades and barbed wire were erected at key junctions, including:
- Ngong Road at City Mortuary
- Uhuru Highway at Haile Selassie Roundabout
- Mombasa Road at GM
- Thika Road at Roysambu
- Waiyaki Way at Kangemi Flyover
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen warned of “dire consequences” for those engaging in looting or destruction of property during the protests. “Police will be gentle with peaceful demonstrators but ruthless towards criminals hiding behind protests to cause chaos,” Murkomen said during a rally in Meru on Sunday evening.
SGR Services Suspended, Travelers Stranded
In a move that caught many off guard, Kenya Railways announced the suspension of Madaraka Express (SGR) services between Nairobi and Mombasa, citing “technical issues.” The sudden cancellation left hundreds of passengers, including youths returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani, stranded for hours at Mombasa Terminus.
Separately, reports emerged that buses from Mombasa to Nairobi were blocked by police at several checkpoints, with security agencies fearing they were ferrying protesters to join demonstrations in the capital.
Why Gen Z is Leading the Charge
This year’s Saba Saba protests have been largely fueled by young Kenyans disillusioned with the political system. The rallies follow weeks of anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that saw dozens arrested and several incidents of alleged police brutality.
“We are tired of empty promises. Saba Saba is no longer just about history; it’s about fighting for our future,” said one protester marching along Thika Road.
Government on High Alert
The government has maintained that security forces will ensure public safety, even as human rights groups warn against excessive use of force on protesters.
The National Police Service issued a statement Sunday night cautioning protesters against entering “protected areas” such as State House and critical government installations.
As the day unfolds, Kenyans across the country are waiting to see whether the demonstrations will remain peaceful or spiral into violent confrontations like those witnessed during last year’s anti-government rallies.
Stay with The Star for the latest updates on the Saba Saba protests as events develop across Kenya.
