Kenyans are expected to take to the streets on Monday, July 7, 2025, to commemorate Saba Saba — a day that marks the historic 1990 protests against President Daniel Moi’s regime, during which demonstrators called for the reintroduction of multiparty politics.
This year’s Saba Saba protests are largely driven by the Gen Z generation, who feel disappointed with the current political system. Many are marching to protest against poor governance, police brutality, abductions, and extrajudicial killings, which have become rampant since the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in June 2024.
Earlier, a section of Kenyans intending to travel from Mombasa to Nairobi were left stranded after police allegedly blocked them, fearing they would join the Saba Saba protests.
Kenya Railways also suspended the Madaraka Express (SGR) service from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025, citing technical issues.
The disruption left hundreds of passengers stranded at the Mombasa Terminus. Among them were youth returning from the Summer Tides Festival in Diani, who experienced delays of more than two hours without clear communication or any timeline for the resumption of service.
On the evening of Sunday, July 6 2025, the National Police Service issued a statement warning of dire consequences if protesters breach protected areas.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who spoke in Meru County on Sunday, July 6, urged police officers to be gentle with citizens but ruthless towards protesters found destroying property or looting during the demonstrations.
3: 50 P.M: Raila Odinga’s Spokesman Dennis Onyango to address the media at Saerena Hotel, 4: 00 p.m.
3:24 P.M.: Two people have been confirmed dead in Ngong after succumbing to gunshot wounds.
3:00 p.m.: Two people have been confirmed dead in Kangemi after allegedly being shot by police officers.
2:40 P.M.: Armed goons invade a supermarket at Kobil petrol station at Kiserian Kajiado County.
2: 30 P.M.: Police are engaging protesters in Roysambu outside Thika Road Mall (TRM)
2:15 P.M.: One protester has been shot dead in Kangemi
1: 50 P.M.: One protester has been shot by police in Kitengela and rushed to a nearby hospital.
1: 34 P.M.: Protesters barricade Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, leaving motorists intending to travel to Nairobi stranded.
1: 20 P.M.: Masked police officers arrive in Kangemi with unmarked vehicles.
1:00 P.M.: Police are engaging in running battles with some of the Saba Saba protesters who have gathered around Kamukunji grounds.
12: 20 p.m.: ODM Nairobi Chairman George Aladwa has confirmed that Raila Odinga will have a rally at Kamukunji grounds. He will arrive at 3: 00 p.m.
12:15 p.m.: Several boda boda riders have been arrested at Nairobi’s Globe Roundabout for allegedly ferrying people into the CBD. Police have also impounded their motorbikes.
Noon: A fleet of long-distance buses is stranded at Kabete Police Station after being denied entry into the Nairobi CBD by police officers.
11:30 a.m.: Raila Odinga supporters gather at Kamukunji Grounds, within Kamukunji Constituency, waiting for his address.
11:15 a.m.: Business owners around OTC in downtown Nairobi are protecting their properties with wooden clubs.
11:00: Police search Nairobi-bound passengers at Rironi roadblock , Kimabu County.
10: 30 a.m.: Protesters lit bonfires in Mwea town, Kirinyaga County, as Saba Saba protests begin.
10:13 a.m.: Protests have kicked off in Kiserian, Kajiado County. Protesters are engaged in running battles with the police, who are using tear gas to disperse them.
10:00 a.m.: Youths have set bonfires and blocked Kamiti Road in Zimmerman using stones.
9:35 a.m. : Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has denied claims that Kenyans are being turned away while trying to gain access Nairobi CBD.
9:23 a.m.: Police lob teargas at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue heading toward Integrity Centre, even though there is no visible gathering in the area.
9: 20 a.m.: Ambulances are being denied entry in Nairobi CBD.
9: 15 a.m.: Police arrests two activists namely Prince Baha and Julius Kamau. They have been taken to Central Police Station.
9:10 a.m.: Boda boda riders decry harassment by police officers after being denied entry into the Nairobi CBD. They say most of their customers are based in the CBD, and the restrictions are hurting their business.
.9:00 a.m.: Some motorists and pedestrians trying to access the CBD are being directed by police to use Parliament Road as an alternative route. However, some complain that they are still being turned away.
8:35 a.m.: Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina says people cannot access courts as all roads leading to the Nairobi CBD have been blocked.
“Roads are blocked everywhere; we’re trying to get to court,” said Njeri.
8:30 a.m.: Police are only allowing people with valid reasons to enter the CBD. Those seeking entry must produce identification showing their workplace.
8:00 a.m.: A group of people on Thika Road is seen walking towards the Nairobi CBD.
7:34 a.m.: Police have cordoned off major roads leading to the State House with barbed wire.
6:10 a.m.: All roads leading to the Nairobi CBD have been closed, leaving many Kenyans stranded.
Police have blocked several key access points to the CBD, including:
- Ngong Road at City Mortuary
- Valley Road at DOD
- State House Road at Integrity Centre
- Uhuru Highway at Haile Selassie Roundabout
- Mombasa Road at GM
- Thika Road at Roysambu
- Waiyaki Way at Kangemi Flyover
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The incidents involving goons attacking journalists and protesters are disturbing. If this level of political violence continues, it could have lasting consequences on the public’s trust in both the government and political movements.
Saba Saba’s back, baby! Can’t wait to see how this whole debacle unfolds—cause clearly, the history books still need a good laugh.