Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has warned Kenyans against what he termed ‘illegal’ protests in the Central Business District (CBD) ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for next Tuesday, April 21.
Addressing the press on Friday, April 17, he noted that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, any demonstrations must strictly adhere to the law.
He further clarified that the police had not received formal notification from the protest organisers about the demonstrations, a mandatory requirement before any peaceful gathering within the city.
This follows reports of anticipated demonstrations next week on Tuesday against the recent hike in fuel prices and the high cost of living facing many Kenyans.
Many have argued that the increasing cost of living has placed an unbearable burden on them, with transport, food and basic commodities becoming unaffordable.
Despite the warning, a section of Kenyans insisted that the demonstrations would proceed as planned, arguing that the urgency of the economic situation demands such an action.
Meanwhile, others have accused President William Ruto’s administration of allegedly attempting to suppress dissent, maintaining that Kenyans have a right to voice their grievances.
The latest development follows a seven-day ultimatum by the United Opposition to Ruto, urging him to address several concerns in the energy sector, failure to they wiill national mass protest.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on April 15, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called on Ruto to immediately instruct the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to convene an urgent special sitting within the next seven days to address the fuel crisis.
Gachagua further called for the abolition of the National Infrastructure Fund, recently approved by the National Assembly, which was to be financed through the sale of government assets.
By Frederick Azelwa.