Nairobi on edge as fuel price protests loom amid strategic police deployment
An uneasy calm has gripped Nairobi as the country braces for anticipated protests over rising fuel prices, with demonstrators mobilising under the #RejectFuelPrices banner.
A spot check by The Informer Media Group across the Central Business District (CBD) this morning revealed deployment of security personnel, including anti-riot police stationed at key strategic locations such as the intersection of University Way and Uhuru Highway.
The presence of officers comes despite intermittent rainfall, which appeared to dampen movement but not the underlying tension.
The planned demonstrations, largely driven by Gen Z activists online, are aimed at pressuring the government to address soaring fuel costs and the broader cost of living crisis.
Organisers have used social media platforms to rally support, raising expectations of significant turnout.
Political leaders including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who also doubles as the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) boss told President William Ruto to brace for nationwide demos if the government does not lower the fuel prices.
However, the protests have drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has appealed for calm, warning that any disruption could further strain an already fragile economy.
In a statement, the association emphasised the need for constructive dialogue, noting that businesses are operating under pressure amid global economic uncertainties.
“While the right to peaceful assembly is protected, it must be exercised responsibly to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods,” KAM said.
Similarly, the United States Embassy in Nairobi issued a security advisory urging its citizens to avoid protest areas and large crowds.
The embassy cautioned that demonstrations in Kenya can quickly escalate, sometimes involving clashes, tear gas, and road blockades.
Human rights groups, however, have shifted focus to police conduct.
Amnesty International Kenya called on the National Police Service (NPS) to uphold constitutional rights and facilitate peaceful demonstrations.
The organisation reminded authorities that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, picket, and present petitions peacefully.
Citing past incidents, Amnesty warned against excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of journalists, stressing that officers could be held individually accountable for violations.
The group also referenced recent court rulings, including a High Court decision in Kisumu, which declared the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters unlawful and unconstitutional.
“Public order and human rights are not mutually exclusive,” Amnesty said, urging police to prioritise de-escalation, protect media and medical personnel, and distinguish between peaceful protesters and criminal elements.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Police Regional Commander Issa Mohammud had earlier declared the protests unlawful, citing lack of formal notification to authorities. His stance has added another layer of controversy, with activists insisting that notification is meant for coordination—not permission.
