Nairobi County came to a near standstill on Wednesday evening as police mounted extensive roadblocks across the city, effectively locking down access to the Central Business District (CBD).
Transport to Nairobi CBD remained paralysed for the better part of the evening as police officers blocked all roads leading to the city's business district.
Sources privy to the situation in the capital informed Kenyans.co.ke that police officers blocked nearly all roads leading to the city as June 25 commemorative protests continued.
According to our sources, for the few matatus entering the city, police demanded that motorists and occupants show identification documents before allowing passage.
''Almost all roads are blocked; police are not allowing guys to pass without accreditation. Almost zero public transport heading to town, roadblock at UoN,'' the source told Kenyans.co.ke.
Key roads leading into the city, including Jogoo Road, Ngong Road, Limuru Road, Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way, were barricaded and heavily manned by armed officers.
At the University of Nairobi, a major roadblock was set up, with police screening all individuals attempting to pass through. Only those with official accreditation were allowed entry into the CBD.
Contrary to the norm, where public transport is always available, PSV vehicle presence was scaled down, with most matatus terminating journeys in the CBD.
The protests not only paralysed road transport but also railway transport, as Kenya Railways suspended all commuter train services in Nairobi, citing safety concerns amid the protests.
Routes affected by the suspension include Nairobi–Ruiru, Nairobi–Embakasi Village, Nairobi–Lukenya, and Nairobi–Syokimau. According to Kenya Railways, the move was a precautionary measure to protect passengers and staff.
The lockdown comes as Kenyans mark one year since the deadly June 25, 2024, protests against the Finance Bill, during which dozens of young demonstrators were killed.
This year’s commemorations, led by the Gen Z movement, have reignited calls for justice, police accountability and the fight against police brutality.
