Police Arrest 11 During Nairobi Fuel Price Protests, Issue Warning

Police Arrest 11 During Nairobi Fuel Price Protests, Issue Warning

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has confirmed the arrest of 11 individuals during protests against rising fuel prices in the Central Business District (CBD), as authorities moved to contain demonstrations that had been widely mobilised online.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, April 21, during an inspection tour within the CBD, Mohamud said the arrests were made after a small group of protesters took to the streets despite earlier warnings from law enforcement agencies.

“So far, we have arrested 11, and we will take them to court tomorrow and charge them,” he stated.

The protests had been organised largely through social media platforms, with youth groups calling for mass action to oppose recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The price hikes have triggered widespread concern over the rising cost of living, with many Kenyans citing increased transport fares, food prices, and overall household expenses.

However, turnout in Nairobi appeared lower than anticipated, with only a limited number of demonstrators visible in parts of the CBD. A spot check indicated that most businesses remained open and operational throughout the day, contrary to earlier fears of widespread disruption.

Mohamud emphasised that the city remained largely calm, urging traders who had closed their businesses as a precaution to resume normal operations.

“There is nothing to fear. Economy and peace are reigning. As you can see, 98 per cent of businesses are on,” he said.

The police commander reiterated that the planned protests had been deemed unlawful due to the failure by organisers to comply with legal requirements, including issuing formal notification to authorities as stipulated under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

According to Mohamud, the lack of coordination with police limited the ability of security agencies to facilitate the demonstrations safely, necessitating enforcement action against those who proceeded to protest.

“Those who started the protest were disrupting the normal operations of the city and ought to be arrested,” he added.

Earlier, the police had cautioned against the demonstrations, warning that any gatherings not conducted within the framework of the law would be treated as unlawful assemblies. Authorities also urged organisers to engage the police and follow due process to ensure safety and order.

Despite the limited scale of the protests, the issues driving public discontent remain significant. Many Kenyans have continued to express frustration over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices playing a central role in driving inflation across multiple sectors.

The situation has sparked ongoing debate between citizens, policymakers, and regulators on how best to balance economic realities with public welfare.

In addition to addressing the protests, Mohamud also took issue with sections of the media, accusing them of amplifying fear through what he described as inaccurate reporting of the situation on the ground.

“As media professionals, let’s report with responsibility and love for the country, stop spreading fear,” he urged.

The developments highlight the ongoing tension between public expression and law enforcement, particularly during periods of economic strain. While the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, authorities have maintained that adherence to legal procedures is essential to ensure both public safety and order.

As the arrested individuals await arraignment, attention is likely to shift to how authorities handle similar demonstrations in the future, especially as economic concerns continue to shape public sentiment across the country.

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Police Arrest 11 During Nairobi Fuel Price Protests, Issue Warning