Nairobi Expressway deserted as motorists keep off roads amid Saba Saba protests

The Nairobi Expressway was deserted early Monday as motorists kept off the usually busy Nairobi–Mombasa Road.

During a spot check by The Star, not a single vehicle was in sight on the Expressway.

Tens of heavily armed police officers were stationed at both the entrance and exit points of the Expressway in Mlolongo.

A few vehicles — private, commercial, and public service vehicles (PSVs) — were seen using Mombasa Road, though with minimal passenger occupancy.

Most businesses remained closed in Mlolongo, Kitengela, Machakos, Emali, and Matuu towns, where police patrols had intensified.

In Mlolongo town, several youth armed with rungus were spotted standing in front of shops — an indication that some traders had hired them to guard their premises.

This is not the first time traders have hired youth armed with clubs to protect their businesses during national anti-government demonstrations.

The towns, however, remained calm by press time, with only a few residents walking in the streets

Nairobi–Namanga Road was also largely deserted on Monday morning, with bodaboda operators taking advantage of the situation to ferry pillion passengers.

Bodaboda riders were present in large numbers and were reported to have hiked fares due to high demand from stranded commuters.

Most industrial companies along Mombasa Road remained closed, with employees staying indoors.

Several schools — especially private ones in Kajiado and Machakos counties — issued directives to parents to keep their children at home.

Kenyans who spoke to The Star said the tension caused by the Saba Saba protests had disrupted their daily routines.

"The situation has interfered with my livelihood. I don't know what to do," said a Mlolongo resident.