Nairobi residents woke up to a city at a standstill on Thursday morning. Despite government assurances that it would be a normal working day, police have sealed off major routes leading to the Central Business District (CBD).
Commuters are currently stranded across the capital as security forces enforce a strict lockdown on key entry points. This security operation coincides with the planned anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests that began exactly one year ago.
Access Denied
The police presence has effectively halted the flow of traffic into the heart of the city. While the Interior Ministry had suggested normality would prevail, the reality on the ground is far different.
Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) are being particularly targeted by the restrictions.
"Forget the Interior Ministry's claim that there will be normalcy. It is 'no access'!" One commutter posted.
On the western side of the capital, Waiyaki Way is a scene of significant disruption. Multiple police roadblocks have been reported along this stretch. One of the primary barriers is located at the Uthiru-87 Junction.
This specific roadblock has caused a massive backlog of vehicles. Long-distance buses travelling from western Kenya have been stopped in their tracks, leaving travellers unable to complete their journeys.
Gridlock on the Superhighway
The Thika Superhighway is witnessing similar scenes of heavy deployment. Anti-riot police have established checkpoints at several key points, including Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Kahawa, and Githurai.
Traffic is particularly heavy near the Kasarani Stadium roundabout. At this location, a roadblock is preventing all vehicles from proceeding toward the CBD. Motorists are being turned back by officers, and even pedestrians are finding their movement curtailed.
Mombasa Road and Other Routes
To the south, traffic at Mlolongo has ground to a halt due to a police barrier restricting movement into Nairobi. Other major arteries, such as Jogoo Road, Ngong Road, and Langata Road, are also seeing significant police interference, especially for those using public transport.
Commuters on Foot
The closure of these major roads has left thousands of Kenyans with no choice but to walk to their destinations. With PSVs unable to navigate past the police lines, many workers are facing long treks on foot just to reach their offices.
"Freedom of movement curtailed... Now workers won’t access their workplaces," another commuter lamented on X.
The heightened security follows a year of political tension in Kenya. The Gen Z protests, which began in June 2024, were initially sparked by widespread opposition to the Finance Bill.
These demonstrations quickly evolved into a nationwide movement calling for greater government accountability.
Today’s commemorations were planned by activists to honour those who lost their lives or were injured during the unrest last year. Despite the peaceful intent of the commemorations, the state has responded with a massive show of force to prevent gathering in the city centre.
