Nairobi police have declared planned protests over rising fuel prices illegal, citing a failure by organisers to submit the required legal notice, even as Kenya’s Inspector General warned of rising attacks on police stations despite an overall drop in crime.
The demonstrations, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, were called in response to public anger over fuel price hikes and the high cost of living, which many Kenyans say have made transport, food and basic commodities unaffordable. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud told reporters on Friday that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, no formal notification had been received from organisers, a legal prerequisite before any public gathering in the city.
Mohamud emphasized that advance notice — at least 14 days — is necessary to coordinate security, agree on protest routes and prevent disruptions to businesses and public order. He warned that demonstrations lacking such notification are unlawful and that police will take appropriate action, adding that recent incidents have seen protests exploited for criminal activity such as theft, which will not be tolerated.
Despite the police stance, a section of the public insisted the demonstrations would proceed as planned, arguing that the urgency of the economic crisis justifies immediate action. Others accused President William Ruto’s administration of attempting to suppress dissent, maintaining that Kenyans have a constitutional right to voice grievances over living costs.
The warning came amid broader concerns about organised violence. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, speaking at a separate press briefing on the same day, reported a five per cent drop in national crime levels in 2025 compared to the previous year, attributing the decline to sustained police efforts against terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, burglary and drug trafficking.
However, Kanja cautioned that this progress is being undermined by a rise in coordinated attacks on police officers, stations and key infrastructure across several regions. He described these incidents as going beyond ordinary crime, amounting to serious threats to public safety, national security and community stability.
Kanja stressed that police stations are more than physical structures — they serve as the foundation of public safety and the first point of response in emergencies — and that targeting them weakens the country’s entire security framework. He linked the surge in such violence to political interference, accusing some leaders of using criminal groups to advance their interests, and warned that anyone found engaging in or supporting such acts would face legal consequences.
In response, the National Police Service has launched enhanced operations in partnership with other security agencies and members of the public to identify and prosecute those responsible, while also working to prevent further incidents. Kanja affirmed the police commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of their position in society.
On the security front, Mohamud disclosed that intensified operations targeting criminal gangs had led to the arrest of 84 suspects across Nairobi in recent weeks, including individuals linked to motorcycle gangs and other organised groups. Authorities also recovered more than 120 motorcycles believed to have been used in criminal activities, along with weapons such as bows and arrows, and said intelligence-led patrols would continue to curb urban crime.
Why are the planned fuel price protests considered illegal by police?
Police say organisers of the #RejectFuelPrices demonstrations scheduled for April 21 failed to submit the legally required notice at least 14 days in advance, rendering the gatherings unlawful despite widespread online mobilisation.
What evidence did police cite to justify their crackdown on potential unrest?
Police referenced recent incidents where demonstrations turned violent or were exploited for criminal activity such as theft, and noted that advance notice is essential to coordinate security, agree on routes and prevent disruptions to public order and businesses.
How does the rise in attacks on police stations contrast with overall crime trends?
While national crime levels fell by five per cent in 2025 due to sustained police operations, Inspector General Douglas Kanja warned of increasing coordinated attacks on police officers, stations and key infrastructure, which he described as serious threats to national security.
