Nairobi, Kenya — Security forces in Nairobi on Monday sealed off major roads leading into the city centre in a bid to prevent protesters from accessing key government and business districts.
Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway, two of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares, were completely barricaded by heavily armed police officers. The move came amid planned demonstrations over economic hardships and governance concerns.
Motorists and commuters were left stranded for hours as security personnel diverted traffic, causing widespread disruption in and around the city. Businesses, offices, and public services were also affected, as access to the central business district became nearly impossible.
The heavy police deployment sparked mixed reactions from public figures and ordinary citizens. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, posting on X (formerly Twitter), called for peace and unity, urging Kenyans to focus on nation-building.
“Kenya is our only home. Let’s use our hands to build, not break it,” Wetang’ula wrote.
Another user, identifying as Black and White on X, stated:
“A capital city shut down by its own government is not a sign of peace — it’s a sign of a regime that fears its own citizens more than it fears anything else.”
Similarly, Omondi Erick voiced concern over the economic impact of the security measures:
“This strategy continues to frustrate the citizenry even more. You curtail movement and expect the economy to grow? All services will be paralysed today with such tactics,” he posted on X.
As the day unfolded, Nairobi residents grappled with the consequences of the lockdown, with many calling for dialogue and restraint from both protesters and the authorities to prevent further disruption.
