In Pictures: Towns shuts down ahead of Saba Saba protests amid fear, police blockades

Police officers at Kisii Central Police Station ahead Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025 [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Major towns in the country remained deserted as the nation braced for Saba Saba protests, with fear and uncertainty keeping most residents indoors and off the roads.

Streets that are typically buzzing with activity remained silent and deserted as Kenyans avoided the Central Business District (CBD).

“Nairobi looks like a ghost town, with no business going on or movement of any kind. People are fearing for their lives,” said Beatrice Mwangi, a trader in Nairobi town.

Police block motorists at Upper Hill in Nairobi on July 7, 2025 [David Gichuru,Standard]

The police also barricaded major roads and shut down access to the City centre, effectively locking down the city.

“I have walked from All Sops on Thika road to report to work as required, but we hardly have people in town,” says Anne Mueni, a government officer at Jogoo house.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku had earlier warned that civil servants who fail to report to work would face disciplinary action.

“Monday, is not a public holiday. We are expected to be in our offices as per the HR policies and manual of the public service,” Ruku said on Sunday.

Nairobi city CBD deserted on Saba Saba day July 7, 2025. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Ngong Road, Thika Road, and Mombasa Road saw barely any traffic, with only a handful of pedestrians and security vehicles in sight. In the Industrial Area, workers walked long distances to reach their jobs only to find factory gates shut.

“I walked from Kayole to Enterprise Road, only to find out that our office is closed. There was no communication, just fear,” said Miriam Wanjiku, a factory worker along Lunga Lunga Road.

Heavy police presence in Huruma, Uasin Gishu County on July 7, 2025. [Elvis Koskei, Standard]

In Nakuru, Joan Akinyi, a mother of three, said her child’s hospital visit was disrupted due to a roadblock and heavy police presence.

“They told me unless I’m in an ambulance, I can’t pass,” she said.

“It’s like the government decided to lock us in. People want to go to work or the hospital, but they’re being treated like criminals,” said Gitau Mwangi, a boda boda rider near Mombasa Road.

Police in Limuru blocked the road leading to Limuru sub-county offices, law courts, and DCC offices. Meanwhile, in Eldoret City, the majority of business premises remained closed from 7 a.m., fearing destruction by the Gen Z demonstration in the town.

Business in Nakuru City has come to a standstill, with most establishments in the central business district closed due to fears of violence. A heavy police presence has been observed throughout the area.

Majority of business premises in Eldoret City remained closed on July 7, 2025. [Peter Ochieng Standard]

Majority of business premises in Eldoret City remained closed from 7 am, fearing destruction by protestors.

A spot check by The Standard confirmed that dozens of public service vehicles (PSVs) either terminated trips prematurely or stayed off the roads completely, citing police orders and safety concerns.

Businesses closed in Thika Town, Kiambu County on July 7, 2025 [Gitau Wanyoike, Standard]

In Kiambu, bus stops were deserted with no matatus on the roads, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

“I left home at 5:30 am, hoping to get a matatu at the stage, but there was nothing. All vehicles were turned back at Donholm roundabout,” said John Otieno, a cleaner who works in town.