Commuters in Nairobi today morning were forced to walk to most of their destinations after waking up to police barricades along major roads leading to Nairobi CBD amid tensions in anticipation of Saba Saba demonstrations slated for today.

Amid the chilly weather those who commute along roads like Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Kenyatta Avenue, and Uhuru Highway were forced to brace the harsh weather to their respective work places. Access to the Central Business District (CBD) has been restricted, with both private and public service vehicles turned away or redirected at various checkpoints.

While in a thanksgiving mass at St Augustine Mwanika Catholic Church, Athwana, Tigania West, Meru County yesterday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen urged police officers to exercise restraint while dealing with demonstrators today.

The CS’s comments come just a few days after he came under pressure for his “shoot to kill order” following the violent scenes of June 25th protests aimed at commemorating 2024 anti finance bill victims.

While today is marks 35 years of multi partsim in Kenya and a day to remember some of the heroes like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia among others who fought the same, many young people in the country have often used such commemorations to channel other demands like accountability by the government.

The move comes amid rising tension in the capital, with memories still fresh of past protests that have often ended in chaos. Previous demonstrations have left scores dead, many nursing gunshot wounds, and businesses counting losses from looting and destruction.

Meanwhile, many businesses, learning institutions, and government offices remained shut, having issued closure notices ahead of the planned demonstrations.

The government has however urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and observe constitutionalism while church leaders, human rights activities, opposition leaders among others call for peaceful demos.