Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku had announced that Monday, July 7, 2025, would be a normal working day. He gave a warning to all government workers, telling them that they must report to their offices or face punishment.
But the situation on the ground turned out very different. Despite his strong message, most government offices remained closed and many workers stayed home.
The Saba Saba protests, which were happening on the same day, blocked roads and made it very difficult for people to move around. In Nairobi, the usual busy streets were almost empty. A heavy police presence was seen across the city.
Major roads were blocked with police trucks and teargas filled the air. Protesters clashed with police in different parts of the city. The tension was high and many residents feared leaving their homes.
Those working in key government buildings like Sheria House and Nyayo House were nowhere to be seen.
The buildings were quiet, and people were afraid to show up.A woman who works at Sheria House explained why she did not go to work. She said that her safety mattered more than following orders from the Cabinet Secretary.
She remembered the pain and suffering from past protests where people were beaten, women were raped, and shops were destroyed. She said that if something happened to her, no one would come to her rescue.
Meanwhile, the CS moved around with bodyguards and police protection. She said she felt left alone and vulnerable.Outside Sheria House, the gates were shut with big padlocks. Only a few guards stood at the entrance.
Police watched silently, unsure of what would happen next. Afya House had only a few workers who had arrived early before the protest activities worsened. Most other government offices showed the same pattern closed doors and absent workers.Even though Geoffrey Ruku had insisted on business as usual, the fear of violence kept most workers away.
No one was willing to take the risk. To many, life and safety were more important than any government directive. Lawyer John Swaka also criticized the police for blocking roads and searching citizens. He said such actions were against the Constitution and added to people’s pain.
Many Kenyans are now calling on both the government and the media to act responsibly. The people want peace and protection, not fear and punishment.
