Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Gilbert Masengeli has dismissed claims that Kenyans are being blocked from accessing Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), saying movement into the city remains unrestricted.
Speaking on Monday, Masengeli urged citizens to adhere to the rule of law and conduct any demonstrations peacefully.
“Everyone is getting to work without any issues. No one is being turned away,” he said. “We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful.”
Despite the assurance, Nairobi motorists faced major disruptions on Monday morning as police erected multiple roadblocks on key routes in and out of the city.
The roadblocks affected both private vehicles and public service vehicles (PSVs), leaving many commuters stranded.
Security checks were mounted on major roads including Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, Valley Road, and other key feeder roads.
Only emergency vehicles and those belonging to the government were allowed through. Several major businesses in the CBD were barricaded with metal grills amid fears of potential looting.
One police officer at a checkpoint told reporters they were under instructions to restrict vehicular access into the city. Pedestrians, however, were allowed to walk through.
An employee at a city hotel said he was forced to walk from Westlands to the city centre due to the restrictions.
On Sunday, Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku dismissed claims that Monday, July 7, would be a public holiday to mark Saba Saba.
Ruku said all public servants were expected to report to work as usual.
“I want to call upon all public servants in the Republic of Kenya: tomorrow, Monday, is not a public holiday. We are expected to report to work at 8 am and remain there until 5 pm,” he said.
Ruku spoke shortly before inviting President William Ruto to address the congregation at the ACK Diocese of Embu’s 35th Anniversary Thanksgiving held at Kigari Teachers Training College.
