Major roads into Nairobi’s business district were sealed off by Monday morning, with police placing metal spikes across streets and blocking access to key government buildings, including State House.

Local media reported long traffic delays and noted that buses suspected of carrying protesters were stopped before entering the city. The police presence was especially heavy at intersections and roundabouts.

The protests were expected to attract tens of thousands, echoing July 2024’s unrest when demonstrators stormed Parliament and forced the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill.

Discontent With Ruto’s Economic Reforms

President Ruto’s aggressive tax policies, introduced less than two years into his term, have faced strong opposition. While the government insists the taxes are necessary to fund public services, critics argue the measures betray campaign promises to support working-class Kenyans.

Demonstrations have increasingly highlighted issues of economic hardship, inequality, and governance. In past protests, police violence has been widely documented, fueling further public anger and mistrust.

Saba Saba’s Legacy And Present

Saba Saba, or 7/7, originally marked Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy in 1990. Today, it serves as a rallying point for civil society, opposition figures, and youth demanding accountability and reform.

This year’s events unfolded under tight security, with advocacy groups warning against excessive force. Human rights organizations continue to call for investigations into past protest-related violence and for protection of the right to peaceful assembly.