Thousands of commuters faced a difficult Thursday morning as they were unable to access the Nairobi CBD following police roadblocks mounted across major routes leading into the city. The sudden closure of key roads forced many working Kenyans to abandon their journeys midway, with some choosing to turn back home altogether.
The roadblocks were put in place on several major routes that are typically busy during morning rush hours. Commuters trying to use Waiyaki Way near the 87 area and those heading through Kangemi found themselves unable to proceed. Police also set up blockades at Allsops along Thika Road and another at Mlolongo on Mombasa Road, effectively cutting off multiple entry points to the city centre.
The disruption did not go unnoticed by employers across Nairobi. Faced with the reality that their staff would struggle to reach offices, several companies made the decision to allow their workers to work from home for the day. This move helped minimize business disruptions though it was a last-minute adjustment for many organisations.
The police mounted these roadblocks as a precautionary measure ahead of commemorative events scheduled for the same day. The events were marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests against the Finance Bill, a significant moment in Kenya's recent history when demonstrations resulted in the loss of several lives. Authorities were keen to maintain security around these sensitive commemorations and prevent any potential disruptions.
For many commuters stuck on the roads or unable to make their way into the CBD, it was an unexpected setback that disrupted their daily routines. The roadblocks remained in place through much of the morning, affecting the movement of people across the city and reminding residents once again of the challenges that come when major routes are restricted during periods of heightened security.
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