Motorists and commuters were left stranded this morning as police mounted roadblocks on major routes leading into Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), disrupting movement into the city ahead of planned June 25 anniversary demonstrations.
While the police announced that the day would be a normal working day, security operations along key entry points affected public transport services, with some vehicles stopped and commuters forced to seek alternative means of travel.
In Nairobi, the city centre streets were unusually quiet, with many businesses closed as security officers stepped up patrols and erected barricades. Kenyatta Avenue lay largely deserted, with only a handful of pedestrians and vehicles visible amid heightened security operations.
Parliament buildings were also barricaded with razor wire as activists prepared to lay flowers in honour of those who died during the June 25, 2024, protests.
At the Khoja bus stage in the CBD, commuters were left stranded as public transport services were disrupted, with many struggling to find vehicles to their destinations.
Bunyala Roundabout was also barricaded for motorists heading towards the city centre. At around 6:30 am, the Odeon bus stage recorded minimal activity, with only a few commuters and vehicles visible.
Major entry routes into the capital were also affected, with police checkpoints reported along Lang’ata Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, and Thika Superhighway.
On the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, motorists faced long delays after police set up several checkpoints along the route. The roadblock at Mlolongo caused a major traffic build-up from around 5:30 am, leaving vehicles stuck as officers restricted movement.
The Mlolongo checkpoint affected motorists travelling from Machakos towards Nairobi, while additional roadblocks at Kenya-Israel and Kyumbi further slowed traffic.
Armed police officers were deployed around the Mlolongo roundabout, with motorists facing restricted entry into the city. Hundreds of residents were stranded at Kyumbi Junction in Machakos as a vehicle shortage disrupted transport services.
Along the Thika Superhighway, police checkpoints were mounted at Ruiru Footbridge, Ruiru Bypass, Githurai Underpass, and Allsops, affecting movement into Nairobi.
In Githurai, movement slowed from as early as 6:00 am after police halted public service vehicles and private motorists. At Roysambu Junction, traffic heading into town was diverted onto Kamiti Road.
A heavy presence of anti-riot police officers was also seen across several roads, with dozens of police trucks deployed as security agencies monitored movement into the capital.
Public service vehicles and some private motorists were stopped, with some matatus reportedly turned away, leaving commuters stranded.
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Police officers were heard telling some commuters, “Hakuna kazi leo rudini nyumbani (There is no work today, go back home).”
The security measures came despite assurances from the government that Thursday would remain a normal working and school day.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier said police were prepared to provide security and guide protesters during the planned demonstrations, while insisting that the protests should remain peaceful and unarmed.
Security officers took control of the town, with a heavy police presence reported around Backyard Hotel and Shell Petrol Station areas as officers monitored the situation.
Speaking while addressing the nation on the eve of the demonstrations, Murkomen said the National Police Service had received notifications from citizens intending to hold public protests and would facilitate the exercise in line with constitutional provisions.
“Tomorrow is a normal working and school day. However, the police received a notification from some citizens who would like to engage in public demonstrations,” Murkomen said.
“Police are therefore ready to provide security and guide the protesters tomorrow according to their request.”
The planned demonstrations are being held across the country as Kenyans, especially Gen Z activists, mark two years since the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests that left scores of people dead and injured.
Murkomen said the government recognises and respects the constitutional right of Kenyans to assemble and demonstrate peacefully.
Citing Article 37 of the Constitution, the CS said every person has the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities, provided the actions remain peaceful and without weapons.
He called on organisers and participants to follow the law and avoid actions that could threaten public safety or interfere with peaceful demonstrations.
