Transport services have been thrown into disarray on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, after police sealed off major entry points into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the planned Gen Z anniversary protests.

The heavy security operation disrupted both private and public transport, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and forcing many to seek alternative travel.

Transport operators suspend operations

Several long-distance public service vehicle (PSV) operators, including Guardian Bus Services, suspended travel to and from Nairobi amid concerns over the anticipated demonstrations. Passengers who had booked travel were left stranded as operators monitored the evolving security situation.

Police barricades on major roads

Police barricades were erected at key entry points into the city, effectively cutting off access to the CBD. Outbound traffic at Githurai was blocked, causing major congestion and disrupting movement along sections of Thika Road. Areas affected along the route include the Kahawa and Ruiru bypasses and Githurai and Allsops, with heavy police surveillance.

With normal transport services disrupted, some commuters resorted to hitching rides on lorries and trucks along Outering Road to reach their destinations.

Other major routes affected by the police operation included Lang’ata Road, Mlolongo, Athi River and sections of Mombasa Road, where security officers mounted roadblocks and restricted movement into the city.

The heightened security measures come as Kenyans mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests, which saw thousands of young people take to the streets to demand government accountability and reforms.

Authorities have maintained that the deployment is intended to safeguard public order and protect critical infrastructure, while protest organisers insist that the commemorative demonstrations are meant to honour victims of past protests and advocate for justice through peaceful assembly.

By early morning, traffic congestion had spread across several parts of Nairobi and its outskirts, with commuters facing lengthy delays as police maintained a tight security presence on roads leading into the capital.

Murkomen’s assurance

This comes despite the assurance of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, that today will remain a normal working and school day across the country despite notifications of planned public demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-finance bill protests.

He added that security agencies had received notification from citizens intending to hold public demonstrations.

“Tomorrow is a normal working and school day. However, the police received a notification from some citizens who would like to engage in a public demonstration,” read the statement in part.