Police in Nairobi have cautioned against planned demonstrations in the Central Business District next week, warning that any protests that turn disruptive or unlawful will face firm action from authorities.
The warning comes ahead of demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, organised in response to rising fuel prices and the high cost of living. Protest organisers have threatened a “total shutdown” of the CBD as they push the government to address the situation.
Speaking on Friday, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammud said the Constitution protects the right to assemble and protest, but stressed that the freedom must be exercised within the law. He cautioned that demonstrations should not interfere with the rights of others or disrupt normal economic activity.
“That’s not allowed. We will deal with you. Others will obstruct the road and will inconvenience other citizens. You have a right, and the other citizen has a right. While that right to assemble is protected, it’s not absolute,” he said.
Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities, provided it is done peacefully and without arms. The provision is part of the Bill of Rights and is meant to protect collective expression.
However, Mohammud reiterated that the right comes with responsibility and must be exercised with respect for other people’s freedoms.
“It’s not absolute, let’s be clear on that. It must be exercised with due regard to the rights and freedoms of other Kenyans and the visitors,” he added.
He also pointed to past protests that have turned violent, leading to destruction of property and disruption of essential services, warning that such incidents will not be tolerated.
“Such actions are unlawful, and the police will act according to the law,” he said.
The planned protests follow recent changes in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Earlier in the week, the regulator raised prices for the April–May cycle, with petrol going up by Sh28.69 and diesel by Sh40.30.
A day later, the prices were revised downward after VAT was reduced from 13 per cent to 8 per cent. In Nairobi, super petrol dropped by Sh9.37 to Sh197.60 per litre, while diesel fell by Sh10.21 to Sh196.63. Kerosene remained unchanged at Sh152.78.
The new prices took effect on April 16 and will remain in force until May 14, 2026.
Before the adjustment, fuel prices in Nairobi had hit record highs, with petrol reaching Sh206.97 per litre and diesel Sh206.84, raising concerns among consumers.
The VAT reduction is part of efforts by the government to ease pressure on households, but concerns over the cost of living remain. Political leaders, including the ODM party, have called for more action to cushion Kenyans.
“Kenyans are concerned about the increase in fuel prices. We know this is a global problem. While noting the government’s efforts to mitigate the situation, we continue to push it to do more to cushion Kenyans from the effects of this crisis,” the party said in a statement on Thursday.