Nairobi’s police chief has declared planned protests over rising fuel prices unlawful, setting the stage for a tense week in the capital.
Issa Mohamud, the Nairobi regional commander, said on Friday that organisers of the demonstrations scheduled for April 21 had failed to notify authorities, as required by law. The protests, widely shared online under the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, have gained traction amid growing public frustration over the cost of living.
“We are aware of planned protests next week regarding fuel prices, but no notification has been given,” Mr Mohamud told reporters. “This makes the protests unlawful, and we will take appropriate action.”
His remarks come as anger simmers across the country following a sharp increase in fuel prices, which has pushed transport and food costs higher. Calls for demonstrations have spread quickly on social media, with activists urging Kenyans to take to the streets.
Mr Mohamud sought to draw a distinction between opposition to protest and enforcement of procedure. The National Police Service, he said, does not object to public assembly but requires organisers to give a 14-day notice to allow for planning and security.
“This month, we have allowed 18 protests and processions,” he said. “To protect against criminal infiltration, organisers are required to give notice. If it is less than the required period, the event will not be allowed.”
He added that advance notice helps ensure agreed routes are followed and reduces the risk of damage to property. In recent months, police say, some demonstrations have veered off course or turned disorderly.
“There has been a lot of impunity,” he said. “Some organisers either fail to notify us or deviate from agreed routes. We have also seen cases where protests turn violent or involve theft. Such actions will not be tolerated.”
The warning is likely to raise concerns among civil society groups, many of which argue that the right to protest should not be curtailed by procedural hurdles, particularly during periods of economic strain. Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, though it also allows for regulation in the interest of public order.
Police have also pointed to broader security concerns in the city. Mr Mohamud said officers had stepped up patrols in response to rising gang activity. In recent operations, 84 suspected gang members were arrested, including individuals linked to motorcycle-based groups. Authorities also recovered more than 120 motorcycles believed to be connected to criminal networks.
For now, the question is whether Tuesday’s protests will proceed despite the warning, or whether organizers will step back in the face of possible arrests.
As the debate unfolds, many Kenyans remain caught between the rising cost of daily life and the risks of taking their grievances to the streets.
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