Hundreds of commuters were left stranded on Thursday morning after police sealed off major entry points into Nairobi’s Central Business District ahead of planned demonstrations marking the anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z protests. The heightened security operation disrupted transport services across the city and surrounding areas, forcing many travelers to seek alternative means of reaching their destinations.
Highlights
- Police blocked key roads leading into Nairobi’s CBD.
- Public and private transport services faced major disruptions.
- Some commuters resorted to hitching rides on trucks and lorries.
- Several long-distance bus companies suspended travel to Nairobi.
- Heavy traffic congestion was reported across major routes.
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Nairobi Wakes Up to Transport Disruptions
Commuters across Nairobi and its outskirts faced a difficult start to the day after police mounted extensive security operations on major roads leading into the city centre.
The operation, which coincided with planned demonstrations commemorating the June 25, 2024 protests, significantly disrupted both public and private transport services, leaving many travelers stranded or delayed for hours.
Roadblocks Cut Off Access to CBD
Security officers erected barricades at key entry points into Nairobi’s Central Business District, restricting movement and preventing vehicles from accessing parts of the city.
Several routes experienced major disruptions, including Outering Road, Lang’ata Road, Mlolongo, Athi River, sections of Mombasa Road, and Thika Road.
At Githurai, outbound traffic was halted as police maintained tight security, creating long traffic snarl-ups that stretched across neighboring areas such as Kahawa, Ruiru Bypass, and Allsops.
Commuters Forced to Seek Alternatives
With normal transport services severely affected, some commuters were forced to improvise.
Along Outering Road, travelers were seen boarding lorries and trucks in an effort to continue their journeys after matatus and other transport options became unavailable or unreliable.
Many others chose to walk long distances as traffic congestion worsened throughout the morning.
Bus Operators Suspend Services
The uncertainty surrounding the demonstrations also affected long-distance travel.
Several PSV operators, including Guardian Bus Services, suspended trips to and from Nairobi as they monitored the security situation.
The move left numerous passengers stranded at bus terminals, with many scrambling to make alternative travel arrangements.
Security Measures Linked to June 25 Anniversary
The heightened security deployment comes as Kenyans mark the anniversary of the historic June 25, 2024 demonstrations that saw thousands of young people take to the streets demanding accountability, governance reforms, and economic justice.
Authorities have maintained that the roadblocks and deployments are intended to maintain public order and safeguard critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, organizers of the commemorative protests have insisted that the demonstrations are peaceful and are meant to honour victims of previous protests while advocating for justice and accountability.
City Remains on High Alert
By mid-morning, heavy police presence remained visible across major roads and strategic locations within Nairobi.
With demonstrations expected to continue throughout the day, authorities and organizers alike have called for calm, restraint, and respect for the law to ensure public safety.
As Nairobi navigates another historic June 25, thousands of commuters have found themselves caught between security measures and civic action, highlighting the far-reaching impact of national events on everyday life.
