Thousands of commuters across Nairobi were forced to walk long distances on Tuesday as the police blocked major access roads to the city even as tension gripped Kenya's capital on the 36th anniversary of Saba Saba.

The police erected blockages on major entry ways into Nairobi CBD including Ngong Road, Kiambu Road, Jogoo Road, Outering Road, Mombasa Road and Thika Road, effectively choking the flow of traffic into the city, a quick survey by Maudhui House showed.

"There will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement," Monday update by the National Police Service on X stated in part.

The law enforcers explained this measure was informed by past experiences in which Saba Saba commemoration often turn violent, disrupting normal economic activities.

"In light of past experience during the Saba saba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, 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."

Police are turning away motorists at Ruiru Bypass, Thika Road. Hakuna kuenda town, an officer tells stranded commuters, a user on X stated.

Across key access points, motorists noted that police officers were allowing private vehicles to proceed after conducting checks, while public service vehicles such as matatus and buses were turned away at the roadblocks.

Further the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a warning, informing American citizens that travelers in East Africa's largest city will experience "security checkpoints, traffic disruptions, and congestion" on July 7th.

"Avoid protests and crowds. Monitor local media for updates. Keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle. Notify friends and family of your whereabouts and safety. Review your personal security plans," the embassy added in its update to Americans in Kenya.

Saba Saba, an event where wananchi demonstrate on the streets, started in Kenya on July 7, 1990. 

It all started when thousands of Kenyans defied a government directive to gather at Nairobi's Kamukunji Grounds, demanding free and fair electoral process and an end to the era of single political party state. 

This political agitation led to a major win, ushering the country to Second Liberation, which eventually forced the government to allow multi-party democracy and later the promulgation of a new Constitution in 2010.

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