Police declare fuel price protests ‘unlawful’ over lack of notice
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has dismissed planned protests set for Tuesday, April 21, saying the National Police Service (NPS) has not received any formal notification from organisers.
The planned demonstrations, sparked by rising fuel prices, have largely been mobilised online, with Kenyans sharing posters and calls to action across social media platforms.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Mohamud said while the police do not oppose peaceful picketing, the law requires organisers to issue a 14-day notice before holding any protest or public gathering.
“We are aware of planned protests next week regarding fuel prices, but no notification has been given. This makes the protests unlawful, and we will take appropriate action,” he said.
He emphasized that the NPS facilitates only lawful assemblies, noting that 18 protests and processions have already been approved in Nairobi this month.
“To protect against criminal infiltration, organisers must give a 14-day notice. If notification is given less than the required period, the event will not be allowed,” he added.
Mohamud explained that advance notice enables authorities to coordinate routes and prevent disruptions to property and public order. He also raised concern over increasing cases of non-compliance by organisers.
“Of late, there has been a lot of impunity. Some organisers either fail to give notification or, if they do, deviate from agreed routes or engage in actions that disrupt peace,” he said.
He warned that any protests that turn violent or involve criminal activity will be met with arrests, stressing that organisers must adhere to all legal requirements.
Addressing concerns over criminal gangs, the police boss said security agencies have intensified intelligence-led operations across the city.
“In Nairobi, we have arrested 84 suspected gang members. Of these, 48 are linked to motorcycle gangs, while 11 are land-based groups, some found armed with weapons such as bows and arrows. We have also recovered 124 motorcycles, 48 of which are tied to these criminal groups,” he said.
