10 Arrested as Nairobi CBD Remained Under Heavy Security During Saba Saba Commemoration

Ten people were arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and its surrounding areas during heightened security operations mounted ahead of the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations, as police defended the extensive deployment as necessary to prevent criminal activities and protect public order.

The capital city woke up on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to an unusual scene of deserted streets, shuttered businesses, heavy police presence, and multiple roadblocks across major entry points into the CBD. Hundreds of commuters were forced to walk long distances after security officers restricted vehicle access to the city centre.

Major roads, including Jogoo Road near City Stadium, were barricaded as police conducted security checks on motorists and pedestrians. Uniformed officers, detectives in plain clothes, and specialized police units were deployed across strategic locations to prevent any attempts to disrupt public order during the Saba Saba commemoration.

Security was particularly tight around protected government installations, with Parliament Road among the areas sealed off. Access to Parliament Buildings was heavily restricted, and individuals attempting to enter the area were stopped and questioned by security officers.

Some activists who had intended to present petitions to Parliament claimed they were prevented from accessing the area, with several alleging that some of their colleagues had been arrested during the operation.

“We have been hindered to enter Parliament, and some of our comrades have now been arrested. We don’t know where they’ll be taken. I was among those people who were being arrested at Parliament Road, but fortunately, I escaped.”

Another participant criticized the heavy security deployment, saying:

“Nairobi has been cordoned. Parliament has been locked and nobody can access the premises of Parliament.”

Confirming the arrests, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Aisha Mohammed said 10 suspects were being held in police custody.

“Six were arrested within Pangani area and four were arrested within Central Police Station.”

She said the suspects would be processed and charged in court in accordance with the law.

The extensive security operation also had a significant economic impact on businesses operating within the CBD. Many shops remained closed throughout the day as traders feared possible unrest, while public transport operators reported heavy losses after passenger numbers dropped sharply due to restricted movement into the city.

Matatu operators and business owners expressed frustration over the disruption, saying the anticipation of protests and the heavy police presence kept many customers away, resulting in reduced business activity.

Despite criticism over the stringent security measures, Commander Mohammed defended the operation, insisting it was necessary to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the planned demonstrations to loot businesses, destroy property, and endanger public safety.

“As the National Police Service, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, we are fully prepared to uphold and safeguard public order. We remain vigilant to uphold peace and work together in building a secure and prosperous Nairobi.”

The Saba Saba commemoration, which marks Kenya’s historic struggle for multi-party democracy, has in recent years also become a platform for citizens to demand accountability, human rights, and governance reforms. Authorities maintained that while peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution, security agencies would remain alert to prevent violence and criminal activities during the commemorations.