Heavy police presence in Nairobi CBD ahead of planned Saba Saba protests - July 2026

Nairobi Central Business District is on high alert as police conduct patrols in anticipation of Saba Saba Day protests, with roadblocks erected at the Nairobi West roundabout off Lang'ata Road. The police have stated they received no formal notification regarding planned protests, while activists insist they will hold processions on July 7th. A significant police presence was also observed in the Mapembeni area along Moi Avenue in Mombasa and in Embu town during the Saba Saba commemoration. Meanwhile, protesters in Nairobi's CBD were apprehended by unidentified men and placed into a Subaru vehicle, and police arrested protesters attempting to demonstrate outside the Office of the President.