Kenyan security forces sealed off all major roads leading into central Nairobi on Monday, July 7, 2025, in anticipation of widespread anti-government protests planned nationwide. The move comes amid growing unrest in the country and coincides with the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests, which marked a key moment in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
A heavy police presence patrolled the city, with checkpoints placed over 10 kilometers from the city center. Businesses remained shut and schools advised students to stay home. Roads leading to major government installations, including the State House and parliament, were barricaded with razor wire.
The demonstrations, largely led by youth groups, demand government accountability, justice for victims of police brutality, and an end to economic mismanagement. These latest protests follow a deadly episode on June 25, when at least 19 people were killed during clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Authorities stated that the road closures and increased deployment were meant to protect lives and ensure public order. However, rights groups have raised concerns over the use of force, especially after a violent attack on the Kenya Human Rights Commission office in Nairobi the day before the protests.
Saba Saba, which means “Seven Seven” in Swahili, has become a symbol of civic resistance. In 1990, it marked the beginning of Kenya’s transition away from one-party rule, though the initial protests were met with state violence and mass arrests, including that of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Now, decades later, activists fear a return to state repression. They urge the government to engage with protesters peacefully and to address the root causes of public dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth who have been central to the movement.
Observers say how the government handles this year’s Saba Saba could shape Kenya’s democratic trajectory at a time when public trust in institutions is fragile.