Traffic was severely disrupted on Monday along the busy Waiyaki Way, which links Nairobi to the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza regions, after police erected roadblocks at Kangemi and Westlands.

Motorists were barred from accessing the Nairobi city centre in a move that left thousands of commuters stranded on their way to work.

Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) plying the highway were diverted to Kabete Police Station, with officers reportedly sealing off the road as early as 5 am in anticipation of the Saba Saba demonstrations.

The aim was to limit the number of people entering the city to manage potential unrest.

More than 50 long-distance buses servicing routes to Kisii, Eldoret, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Busia, Homa Bay and Migori were parked from Kabete Police Station all the way to Kabete National Polytechnic as both passengers and operators tried to determine their next move.

Dennis Mogaka, a passenger aboard a Guardian Angel bus from Kisii, said they had arrived at the police roadblock at 5 am and were informed that they could not proceed into the city.

“We had planned to attend to various engagements in Nairobi, but here we are, caught up in measures meant to control potential riots during the Saba Saba Day commemorations. We only hope our country remains peaceful,” said Mogaka.

Monica Mueni, a passenger on an Easy Coach bus, said she was en route to Machakos Town and had expected to arrive before 6 am. She expressed uncertainty about what to do next after their vehicle was denied access to the city centre.

Andrew Omosa, who had travelled from Nyamira, said he was headed to Kajiado County after attending a funeral but was now stranded and unsure when he would get home. He hoped the situation would improve later in the day.

Kevin Oseko, a driver with Easy Coach, said they had planned to arrive in Nairobi before 6 am, drop off passengers, and rest before making the return journey in the evening.

“Now we are unsure whether we’ll even make the return trip,” he said.

Janet Atieno, who travelled overnight from Homa Bay with her two young children, had hoped to reach her home in Athi River before the demonstrations began — but that plan was thwarted by the roadblocks.

Sam Oluoch, who came from Migori, said he was scheduled for a medical check-up at a private hospital in Nairobi, but now feared he might miss the appointment and be unable to return home the same day.

PSVs from Kikuyu Town were forced to seek alternative routes to Nairobi after encountering a police barricade at Kangemi. However, most could not go beyond Westlands.

John Kimani, a driver with Super Metro buses, said the roadblocks at Westlands, Kangemi, Kinoo and Gitaru had forced them to suspend operations.

“We’re going to suffer major losses today. I wish our leaders could address citizens’ concerns to avoid these disruptions,” said Kimani.

Peter Wahome, a boda boda operator at Uthiru stage, said they had closed shop due to a lack of customers and safety fears.

He claimed that some criminals had blocked the road at Uthiru junction and robbed passers-by before being dispersed by police.

Anne Wangare, who runs a boutique in Uthiru, said traders were unwilling to open their shops, fearing a repeat of the losses they suffered during the 25 June demonstrations when looters struck.

Police officers were later seen dispersing groups harassing motorists at Uthiru Junction. They also cleared rocks and extinguished fires that had been lit along Waiyaki Way near the Gitaru area.