The National Police Service (NPS) has mounted dozens of security checkpoints and roadblocks on major roads across Nairobi County, even as Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba Day.
The heightened security deployment, the NPS says, has been informed by past experiences during Saba Saba anniversary, which is usually observed on July 7.
“…some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the NPS said in a statement on Monday, July 6. “As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement.”
And true to their words, Kenyans woke up early morning to police roadblocks across major roads in and around Nairobi, with the Service warning that any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law.
In some instances, reports show that police have blocked PSV (matatus) from accessing the NairobiCBD, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
The Saba Saba Day protests marked a historic 1990 pro-democracy uprising that successfully pushed the KANU Government — –under President Daniel Moi — to end one-party rule and restore multi-party democracy.
However, Saba Saba has metarmophed into a broader movement where a new generation of activists are advocating for accountability, economic justice, good governance and human rights.
