Tensions flared along Thika Superhighway on Monday noon as clashes broke out between protesters and police officers ahead of the 35th Saba Saba Day commemorations.
The chaos began when demonstrators attempting to march to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) were blocked by police, prompting a standoff that quickly escalated.
Video footage circulating on social media showed police officers firing rounds of tear gas at crowds, who responded with chants and attempts to regroup along the highway.
Protesters—many waving flags, chanting through loudspeakers, and riding motorcycles—insisted their intentions were peaceful and aimed solely at commemorating the historic day, which has become a platform for demanding democratic reforms, social justice, and government accountability.
"We are not here to fight. We just want to be heard and to mark this important day," said one protester amid the chaos.
In anticipation of unrest, authorities had erected roadblocks across major highways leading into the capital, including Thika Road, effectively forcing many protesters to abandon vehicles and proceed on foot.
Armoured police vehicles were stationed along key junctions
of Thika Superhighway to reinforce officers on foot.
Despite the heavy security presence, crowds continued to swell as more demonstrators joined the march toward the city.
Saba Saba—Swahili for "Seven Seven," referencing the date July 7—commemorates the 1990 protests that ignited Kenya's movement toward multi-party democracy.
While originally championed by political activists, the day has recently been embraced by a new generation of citizens frustrated by economic inequality, high living costs, and perceived government unresponsiveness.
Although the government had maintained that July 7 would remain a normal working day, it launched a sweeping citywide lockdown to prevent potential unrest.
Security agencies manned all key entry points to the CBD, allowing access only to government and emergency vehicles. Roads affected included Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, Valley Road, and others.
The move, officials said, was aimed at preventing infiltrators from disguising as peaceful demonstrators to cause disruption in the capital.
But critics argue the government’s response has only inflamed tensions and undermined the right to peaceful assembly.
