NAIROBI: Key streets and intersections across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) recorded minimal activity on Tuesday morning as a heavy deployment of police officers dominated the city ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations.

Traffic within the city center remained light by mid-morning, with only a handful of private and public service vehicles navigating the usually gridlocked thoroughfares.

Pedestrian traffic was similarly reduced, leaving bustling pavements and bus stages unusually quiet as many residents opted to stay away.

This calm atmosphere followed extensive security measures announced by the National Police Service (NPS), which included mounting enhanced checkpoints across various access roads to maintain law and order.

The lakeside city of Kisumu, however, remained calm, with businesses operating normally despite nationwide calls by activists to mark the annual Saba Saba protests.

Local traders opened their shops as usual, public service vehicles operated without disruption, and residents went about their daily routines. Notably, the heavy police deployment that has historically characterized protest days in the city was visibly absent.

Meanwhile, in the coastal city of Mombasa, a peaceful procession to mark the commemorations was briefly disrupted after protesters engaged in a tense standoff with security officers over the route to be followed through the CBD.

The confrontation erupted when police stopped the demonstrators and attempted to redirect them, a move that was fiercely resisted by the group.

Despite the brief face-off, the situation was eventually brought under control with no reports of injuries or arrests.

Observed every year on July 7, the annual Saba Saba commemorations draw Kenyans together to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey while advocating for improved governance, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The historical day traces its origins back to July 7, 1990, when thousands of citizens defied a strict government ban to demand the restoration of multiparty democracy and political freedoms during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi.