Nairobi Police Boss Issa Mohamud Declares Planned Fuel Protest Unlawful: “We’ll Deal With You”

Nairobi Police Boss Issa Mohamud Declares Planned Fuel Protest Unlawful: “We’ll Deal With You”

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has declared planned protests over rising fuel prices unlawful, warning organisers and participants of firm police action should they proceed without adhering to legal requirements.

The announcement comes amid growing public frustration following recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which have triggered a ripple effect on the cost of living, including transport and basic commodities.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Friday, April 17, Mohamud said the National Police Service (NPS) had not received any formal notification regarding the protests scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, despite widespread mobilisation on social media platforms.

He emphasized that while the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, such rights must be exercised within the confines of the law, including prior notification to authorities.

“Although we are aware of calls for protests next week, no official notification has been filed. This renders the planned demonstrations unlawful, and appropriate action will be taken,” Mohamud stated.

The police commander further raised concerns over the potential for demonstrations to turn chaotic or be infiltrated by criminal elements, warning that any acts of violence, looting, or destruction of property would attract swift law enforcement response.

“We have seen in the past how such gatherings can be hijacked by individuals with criminal intent. We will not tolerate destruction of property, theft or disruption of critical services. Those involved will be arrested and prosecuted,” he cautioned.

Mohamud’s remarks highlight the delicate balance authorities often seek to maintain between safeguarding constitutional freedoms and ensuring public order, particularly during periods of heightened economic pressure and political sensitivity.

To support his position, the commander revealed that police in Nairobi had successfully facilitated 18 protests and processions within the past month. According to him, all the demonstrations were conducted peacefully and in compliance with legal requirements, including prior notification and agreed operational guidelines.

“For this month, we have facilitated 18 protests and processions and we have protected them, guided them and they were able to present. So don’t confuse them with riots and protests, these are different things. What the law guarantees is protests and processions. In that regard, we will provide security and protect whoever is protesting peacefully and unarmed,” he explained.

He drew a clear distinction between lawful protests and unlawful gatherings, noting that compliance with notification procedures allows police to provide security and coordinate effectively to prevent disruptions.

The planned protests have been fueled by mounting public concern over the rising cost of fuel, which continues to impact transportation fares and the prices of essential goods across the country. Analysts note that such economic pressures often translate into public demonstrations, especially in urban centers like Nairobi.

While some civil society groups and activists have defended the right to protest as a fundamental democratic freedom, authorities maintain that adherence to the law is critical to ensuring the safety of both participants and the general public.

Mohamud reiterated that the police remain open to facilitating peaceful demonstrations, provided organisers follow the required legal processes.

“We are not against protests. We are only against unlawful gatherings. Follow the law, notify us, and we will provide security as required,” he added.

As tensions continue to build ahead of the planned protest date, all eyes remain on whether organisers will comply with legal requirements or proceed in defiance of the directive—an outcome that could shape the next phase of public engagement on the rising cost of living in Kenya.

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Nairobi Police Boss Issa Mohamud Declares Planned Fuel Protest Unlawful: “We’ll Deal With You”