Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa has accused the government of deliberately creating traffic congestion across Nairobi and its outskirts in what he claims is a scheme to justify attacks on motorists after calls for anti-government demonstrations recorded a lower turnout.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Thangwa alleged that President has been hoping for widespread protests despite opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua urging Kenyans to stay away from the demonstrations.
“Huyu Kasongo anaomba hii maandamano kama dawa! RiggyG ameomba Wakenya wasiandamane. Wametii! Watu wamekataa maandamano,” Thangwa said.
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Heavy traffic at Nairobi
The senator further claimed that the heavy traffic witnessed in Nairobi had been deliberately caused by police, arguing that it was intended to create an opportunity for criminal gangs to target motorists.
“Kasongo is setting stage for his goons to attack motorists, or how else would you explain the police-induced traffic jams across the capital and its environs,” he alleged.
Police on road blocks
This remarks comes as the National Police Service (NPS) announced enhanced security measures across Nairobi ahead of the Saba Saba commemoration on Tuesday, July 7, with additional police checkpoints to be mounted on major roads across the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, 2026, the NPS said the move is aimed at maintaining law and order following past experiences where some demonstrations held during the annual commemoration resulted in breaches of peace and disruption of normal business activities.
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“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement,” the service said.
Saba Saba commemoration
The police noted that previous Saba Saba commemorations had seen some individuals engage in unlawful acts that interfered with businesses and the movement of members of the public who were not participating in the demonstrations.
The NPS urged Nairobi residents and motorists to cooperate with security officers and comply with lawful instructions issued at the checkpoints to facilitate smooth operations and safeguard public safety.
