Traffic along one of Nairobi’s busiest highways ground to a halt on Thursday morning as police sealed off sections of the Thika Superhighway ahead of planned demonstrations.
By mid-morning, long queues of vehicles stretched across multiple lanes. Private cars, matatus, lorries and fuel tankers stood bumper to bumper. Movement was slow, and in some places, it stopped entirely.
Anti-riot police had set up roadblocks at several points leading into the city. Officers turned back some motorists. Others were left waiting, unsure whether they would be allowed through.
Scenes along the highway told a similar story. Hundreds of passengers stood by the roadside after being asked to disembark. Some began walking, weaving through stalled traffic. Others waited, hoping for a way forward.
Public transport operators struggled to adjust. With key entry points restricted, matatus were forced to terminate trips early or take longer, unfamiliar routes.
Police presence was heavy. Officers carried out checks as part of tightened security measures, though authorities had yet to issue a detailed public statement on the specific closures.
The disruptions come ahead of demonstrations planned to mark the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, a day that drew large crowds and sparked national debate over governance, economic pressure and civic freedoms.
Security officials have signalled a firm stance in the lead-up to this year’s gatherings. But for many Nairobi residents, the immediate impact was felt on the road.
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