Police arrest boda boda operators sneaking protesters into CBD

A group of boda boda riders has been arrested at Globe Roundabout in Nairobi as police intensified security operations across the city amid the Saba Saba protests.

The riders, along with their motorcycles, were bundled into a police lorry following accusations of attempting to sneak people into the Central Business District (CBD).

Authorities suspect some riders were trying to bypass roadblocks and ferry individuals into the restricted zone, leading to their arrest during the heightened security sweep.

Police had earlier declared that no protests would be allowed and that security agencies had been instructed to prevent any gatherings within the CBD.

Despite this, the boda boda riders allegedly defied police orders and attempted to transport people into the city centre.

In a video seen by the Star, the arrested riders were escorted by police as their motorcycles were loaded into a lorry.

Earlier in the morning, officers set up multiple roadblocks and sealed off key entry points into the CBD to deter protests and regulate movement within the city.

Police presence was visible along major roads, including Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Kiambu Road, Jogoo Road, and Kenyatta Avenue.

Traffic was redirected, with only vehicles bearing official clearance, such as those used by government officials, security agencies, and emergency services, allowed access into the city centre.

The heavy deployment left many Nairobi residents stranded, with some forced to walk long distances after being dropped off by public transport vehicles unable to proceed past police checkpoints.

Saba Saba, observed annually on July 7, commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy protests that paved the way for the reintroduction of multiparty politics in Kenya.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Gilbert Masengeli, however, dismissed claims that Kenyans were being blocked from accessing the CBD.

“Everyone is getting to work without any issues. No one is being turned away,” Masengeli said on Monday.

“We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful.”

In recent years, Saba Saba has also been used by civil society groups and youth movements to amplify various social and economic grievances.