Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has accused the government of deliberately using police roadblocks to heighten tensions during the Saba Saba commemorations, claiming the heavy security deployment has unnecessarily disrupted movement across Nairobi.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the senator alleged that Kenyans had largely heeded calls to stay away from demonstrations, questioning the motive behind the widespread police operation mounted across the capital.

“Riggy G ameomba Wakenya wasiandamane. Wametii. Watu wamekataa maandamano,” Karungo claimed.

He further accused the government of creating traffic congestion through police roadblocks, arguing that the operation had left thousands of innocent motorists stranded.

“Kasongo is setting stage for his goons to attack motorists, or how else would you explain the police-induced traffic jams across the capital and its environs?” he posed.

City roads crippled by security operation

Karungo’s remarks came as thousands of commuters experienced lengthy delays after police mounted enhanced checkpoints on major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Traffic built up along Thika Road, Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road, Lang’ata Road, Kiambu Road, Valley Road and Uhuru Highway as officers conducted security checks and restricted access to parts of the city.

In several areas, motorists were diverted while public service vehicles were forced to terminate their journeys before reaching the CBD, leaving many commuters to continue on foot.

The security operation also saw anti-riot officers deployed at strategic locations, with razor-wire barricades erected near key government installations as authorities sought to limit access to the city centre ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations.

Police defend checkpoints

A day before the commemorations, the National Police Service (NPS) had announced plans to establish enhanced checkpoints across Nairobi, saying the measures were necessary to maintain public order based on previous experiences during Saba Saba protests.

“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city… to control both human and vehicular movement,” the NPS said in a statement.

Police urged members of the public to cooperate with officers, arguing that previous Saba Saba commemorations had resulted in breaches of peace and disruption of normal business operations.

The Service also warned that anyone engaging in unlawful acts during the demonstrations would face the full force of the law.

Heightened security amid planned protests

This year’s Saba Saba commemorations attracted heightened security after activists announced plans to hold demonstrations over governance, police accountability, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

While organisers maintained that the protests would be peaceful, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received notification of demonstrations within the city and warned against unlawful assemblies.

Human rights groups, however, insisted citizens retain the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, even as security agencies maintained they were obligated to safeguard lives, property and public order during the commemorations.