Nairobi — Kenya’s human rights watchdog has called for a swift investigation into deadly violence that erupted during nationwide protests over rising fuel prices, as pressure mounts on authorities to account for the loss of life.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said on Tuesday that at least four civilians were killed and several others injured during Monday’s demonstrations, which disrupted transport and brought parts of the country to a standstill.
In a statement, the commission said protests that began peacefully were later overtaken by criminal elements. “The protest was infiltrated by marauding gangs targeting innocent motorists and members of the public,” KNCHR said, pointing to widespread looting and destruction of property.
“Such acts not only undermine public order but also violate the rights to security, dignity, property, and freedom of movement,” the commission added.
At the same time, KNCHR urged restraint from security agencies, warning against excessive use of force. It emphasised that the right to protest is protected under Kenya’s constitution, provided it is exercised peacefully.
“The right to strike, protest and demonstrate is constitutionally protected… and must be exercised responsibly,” the commission said. “Public demonstrations should not be used as a platform for violence or attacks against innocent civilians.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking on Monday evening, said more than 30 people had been injured and 348 suspects arrested. He blamed what he described as “rogue politicians” for inciting unrest, accusing them of mobilising gangs to loot and burn property.
Those claims have yet to be independently verified.
The protests were triggered by a sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), with Super Petrol and Diesel initially increasing by Ksh.16.65 and Ksh.46.29 per litre, respectively. The move sparked outrage among transport operators and commuters already grappling with a high cost of living.
Although EPRA later revised the prices, reducing diesel by Ksh.10.06 and raising kerosene by Ksh.38.60, the adjustments did little to calm tensions. In Nairobi, petrol remains at Ksh.214.25 per litre, while diesel now sells at Ksh.232.86.
The Transport Sector Alliance, which called the strike, has insisted the action will continue until the government addresses their concerns. Operators warn that high fuel costs will ripple across the economy, driving up fares and the price of basic goods.
For many Kenyans, the unrest reflects a deeper strain. As the government faces calls for accountability over the violence, the broader question remains unresolved: how to ease the burden of rising living costs without tipping the country into further instability.
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