Police Issue Warning Ahead of Planned Nairobi CBD Protests

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has issued a strong warning to members of the public and protest organisers ahead of planned demonstrations expected to take place in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, April 21.

The demonstrations are reportedly linked to growing public anger over rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living in Kenya.

Speaking to the media on Friday, April 17, Commander Mohamud emphasized that although the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, such activities must fully comply with the law.

He insisted that any group planning to hold protests in the city must follow the required procedures, including giving prior notice to the police and coordinating on security arrangements.

He added that the police had not received any official notification from the organisers of the planned demonstrations. According to him, this lack of formal communication makes the proposed protests unlawful in their current form.

He urged organisers to engage security agencies in advance so that proper arrangements can be made to ensure both safety and order during any public gatherings.

Rising public frustration over cost of living

The planned protests come at a time when many Kenyans are expressing deep frustration over the rising cost of essential goods and services.

Transport costs, food prices, and basic household commodities have all increased significantly in recent months, placing pressure on many families already struggling with economic hardship.

A section of citizens has argued that the situation has become unbearable, saying that peaceful demonstrations are necessary to push leaders to respond to their concerns.

Some of those supporting the protests insist that public action is the only way to draw attention to the ongoing economic challenges affecting ordinary households.

Divided opinions on the demonstrations

Despite the police warning, supporters of the planned protests have maintained that they will proceed as scheduled. They argue that the urgency of the economic situation leaves them with no other option but to take to the streets to demand relief measures from the government.

At the same time, another group of Kenyans has expressed concern about potential disruptions and clashes, warning that protests in the CBD could interfere with daily business activities and public safety.

Some critics have also accused the government of attempting to silence dissent, claiming that citizens have a constitutional right to express their dissatisfaction through peaceful demonstrations without intimidation.

Political tension and opposition demands

The planned demonstrations also come against the backdrop of rising political tension. A coalition referred to as the United Opposition recently issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto, demanding urgent action on issues affecting the energy sector. They warned that failure to respond could trigger nationwide mass action.

In a press briefing held in Nairobi on April 15, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged President Ruto to instruct National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to convene an emergency parliamentary sitting within seven days to address the fuel crisis and related economic concerns.

Gachagua also called for the cancellation of the recently approved National Infrastructure Fund, arguing that it should not be financed through the sale of government assets.

Instead, he suggested that proceeds from such sales should directly support citizens struggling under high fuel and living costs.

Government response

In response to the growing pressure and planned protests, President William Ruto has downplayed the effectiveness of demonstrations in solving economic challenges.

While speaking during a public rally in Suneka, Kisii County, the President questioned whether protests could realistically bring down global fuel prices.

He urged Kenyans to approach the situation with practicality and focus on solutions rather than mass action. According to him, global fuel price changes are driven by international factors that cannot simply be reversed through protests.

Ongoing uncertainty

As the planned Tuesday demonstrations approach, uncertainty remains over whether they will proceed and how security agencies will respond on the ground.

While police have warned against what they term “illegal gatherings,” organisers and supporters insist they are exercising their constitutional rights.

The situation continues to reflect a wider national debate in Nairobi over governance, economic pressure, and the balance between public order and freedom of expression.

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