Commuters wait at 87 Junction after a police roadblock disrupted transport along Waiyaki Way on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Purity Wangui)Commuters using routes to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) and Westlands were stranded from as early as 6 am on Tuesday, after police mounted a roadblock at the 87 Junction along Waiyaki Way ahead of anticipated Saba Saba protests.
Matatus on the route were diverted away from the city centre route, leaving students and workers scrambling for alternative means of transport.
The disruption followed fears of planned demonstrations after some activists called for a peaceful march in the CBD, although the government had maintained that July 7 would be a normal working day.
Some commuters chose to abandon their journeys, citing safety concerns.
"I have been here since 5.50 but no matatus, although some are carrying to the CBD, I am not guaranteed of my safety, so I will just go back home," said one resident waiting at the stage.
Commuters wait at 87 Junction after a police roadblock disrupted transport along Waiyaki Way on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Purity Wangui)
Commuters wait at 87 Junction after a police roadblock disrupted transport along Waiyaki Way on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Purity Wangui)Others turned to boda bodas as an alternative means of transport to their workplaces.
The heavy police presence and restricted movement left many commuters weighing whether to continue with their journeys or return home as uncertainty persisted over access to the city centre.
Commuters wait at 87 Junction after a police roadblock disrupted transport along Waiyaki Way on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Purity Wangui)
Commuters wait at 87 Junction after a police roadblock disrupted transport along Waiyaki Way on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Purity Wangui)
