NAKURU, Kenya, Jul 7 — Nakuru remained calm throughout Tuesday’s Saba Saba commemorations, with businesses reopening gradually after a cautious start as heightened police deployment and fears of possible demonstrations kept many residents off the streets during the early morning hours.

📻 Breaking It Down

Unlike Nairobi, where Parliament was sealed off and multi-agency security teams mounted checkpoints across major roads into the Central Business District, no demonstrations were reported in Nakuru despite the nationwide mobilisation by activists marking the anniversary of Kenya’s pro-democracy movement.

Most businesses in the city’s Central Business District delayed opening until about 9am, with traders opting to monitor the security situation before resuming operations after it became apparent that the town would remain peaceful.

Small-scale traders, including hawkers and kiosk operators, also stayed away during the early hours, while parking bays in the CBD remained largely empty before gradually filling up as confidence returned.

📌 What You Need to Know

Schools within Nakuru City and its outskirts operated normally, although some parents kept their children at home over fears that the planned Saba Saba demonstrations could spill over into the town.

By midday, commercial activity had largely returned to normal, with public transport operating smoothly, retail outlets reopening and traffic returning to normal levels.

The cautious start reflected concerns generated by the National Police Service’s nationwide security operation ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemorations.

Authorities had announced enhanced security measures, citing previous commemorations that were marked by violence, looting and disruption to businesses.

Across Nairobi, police erected checkpoints on Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Jogoo Road and Waiyaki Way, sealed off Parliament Buildings with anti-riot units, water cannons and razor wire, and intensified screening at entry points into the CBD.

The Matatu Owners Association reported significant disruption to public transport, with thousands of commuters stranded during the morning rush hour.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya