Rights Group Warns IG Kanja Ahead of Planned Protests Over Fuel Prices
The National Police Service has received a strong warning from human rights defenders over how it is expected to handle planned protests set for Tuesday, April 21.
The concerns come amid growing public anger over recent fuel price changes and online calls for demonstrations across the country.
International rights organization Amnesty International released a statement on Monday evening, urging police officers to strictly respect the Constitution during the protests.
The group emphasized that Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions peacefully and without weapons.
Amnesty International called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure that security officers protect protesters rather than restrict or intimidate them.
The organization stressed that the role of police during demonstrations is to facilitate order and safety, not to stop people from expressing their grievances.
According to the rights group, advance notification of protests should not be interpreted as a request for permission.
Instead, it should be treated as a coordination process meant to help authorities manage crowds, ensure safety, and protect both protesters and the general public.
Amnesty also raised concern over past protests in Kenya, saying that there have been repeated reports of excessive use of force.
These include incidents involving arbitrary arrests, harassment of journalists covering demonstrations, and even obstruction of medical personnel trying to assist injured individuals during unrest.
The organization further warned that both individual police officers and their commanders could face personal criminal liability if they violate human rights during the handling of protests.
This warning reflects growing scrutiny of law enforcement conduct during public demonstrations.
Referencing recent court decisions, Amnesty noted that the judiciary has already set clear standards on how police should behave during protests.
The courts have repeatedly ruled that the use of excessive force, especially live ammunition, is unlawful except in the most extreme situations where life must be protected.
The statement also emphasized that treating protests as if they are combat situations is not acceptable in a constitutional democracy like Kenya. Firearms, it said, must only be used when absolutely necessary and as a last resort.
Meanwhile, tension continues to build online, especially on the social media platform X, where a growing campaign has been encouraging young people to participate in protests scheduled for Tuesday.
The main issue driving the anger is the recent adjustment in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
EPRA had initially set fuel prices following the April 2026 review at KSh 206.97 per litre for petrol and KSh 206.84 for diesel.
These figures were among the highest seen in recent months, triggering immediate public concern and criticism from motorists and transport operators.
However, the prices were later revised downward after government intervention. Petrol was reduced by KSh 9.37 to KSh 197.60, while diesel dropped by KSh 10.21 to KSh 196.63.
This adjustment followed a directive from President William Ruto, who ordered a reduction in VAT on fuel to 8 percent in an attempt to ease pressure on consumers.
Despite this reduction, many Kenyans say the changes are still not enough. Public frustration remains high, with many arguing that fuel costs are still too expensive and continue to push up the cost of transport and basic goods. This ongoing dissatisfaction is what has fueled the calls for demonstrations.
As the planned protests approach, attention is now focused on how security agencies will respond, and whether the rights of demonstrators will be fully protected while maintaining public order.
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