Several protesters were arrested on Tuesday, July 7, while attempting to stage a demonstration outside the Office of the President at Jogoo House during the Saba Saba commemorations.
The demonstrators were reportedly picked up by plainclothes police officers after gathering outside the premises.
Witnesses said the four men, who had seated themselves on the tarmac, resisted the arrest as they accused the officers of using excessive force.
Despite their resistance, the officers overpowered them and bundled them into the boot of a waiting Subaru vehicle.
Plainclothes Police Arresting Protesters Outside Jogoo House During Saba Saba. Photo: Courtesy.
The incident was witnessed and captured on camera by journalists covering the protests.
The arrests came amid heightened security across Nairobi, where police mounted a heavy presence in anticipation of demonstrations marking the annual Saba Saba commemoration.
Several roads leading into the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) remained closed after police erected roadblocks, leaving many commuters to complete their journeys on foot from various checkpoints.
The restrictions affected motorists using Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Langata Road and Outer Ring Road, resulting in heavy traffic congestion throughout the morning.
Security was also intensified around key government installations. Parliament remained under tight guard, with armed police officers deployed around the precincts and razor wire used to restrict public access.
Police trucks, an armoured vehicle and a water cannon were stationed nearby as part of the security operation.
The deployment followed an announcement by the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday that enhanced checkpoints would be established across Nairobi to regulate both pedestrian and vehicular movement during the Saba Saba commemorations.
According to the NPS, the measures were intended to maintain peace and public order and prevent disruptions that have characterized some previous Saba Saba demonstrations.
