Nairobi CBD remains a ghost town on Monday, July 7 as police barricaded the roads inside CBD. Photo: BBC.
“Government demonstrating,’ as Nairobi CBD remains deserted with empty streets, as Gen Z protesters celebrate outshining the Kenya Kwanza government in marking historical Saba Saba Day.
The government had barricade and placed roadblocks at key entry points of to Nairobi CBD, to block protesters in marking the 35 years since the first Saba Saba Day was marked demanding for freedom of speech and multipartyism in Kenya, during the reign of the late president Daniel Moi.
On Monday as early as 5am, Nairobi CBD remained empty, with streets deserted, business closed, with few vehicles, ambulances and media persons allowed access into CBD.
Al in preparation to cushion the city against massive looting, burning and destruction of business premises as witnessed during June, Wednesday 25 anniversary protests, marking the death of Gen Zs killed during 2024Anti-Finance Bill protests at Parliament.
Taking to social media to celebrate their win, a Kenyan youth posed that the government had destroyed businesses by shutting down entry into CBD crippling the country’s economy without the help of protesters.
They further argued that the protest had not been publicized that much, laughing at the government for falling into their trap and closing down the country’s capital city.
“To prevent protesters from closing roads, disrupting business and causing massive losses, the government has closed roads, disrupted business and caused massive losses,” wrote a netizen.
“Hear me out. And correct me if I’m wrong. Today was not going to be even that massive. The hype wasn’t all that. But the government fell for the trap. And now they’ve crippled the city themselves, without the help of protesters,” added another netizen.
The bant not stopping there, a netizen added that it was the best form of protest, civil disobedience, and best strategy to create a national public holiday. The sentiments were seconded by Eric Gachoka, who remarked that the Gen Z had already won even without appearing in the streets for protests.
Activist Hanifa Adan hilariously questioned why the police were protesting and blocking roads, further disrupting the country’s economy, asking whether they were ordered by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“This is the best form of protest. Civil disobedience. Now the police are protesting. In fact, this is a Public Holiday formula unlocked! All we need to do is whisper “maandamano” and boom, holiday activated!” he another wrote.
Wait a minute, they said it’s a Normal work day but no one can get into town? The Genz’s have already won even without doing anything! The government is eating it’s own self!” Eric Gachoka seconded.
“Why are the police protesting and blocking roads everywhere disrupting people’s businesses and the economy? Were they sent by Gachagua?” Activist Hanifa Adan questioned.
Allan Kavati also shared a different perspective, stating that since no destructive activities were witnessed, he congratulate President William Ruto for protesting against himself.
“No business looted. No car burnt. No Kenyan shot. No police officer throwing teargas. No goons walking around with clubs. I think Saba Saba was a Success at 8.00 am. Congratulations Ruto, you protested against yourself!” Kavati wrote.
