Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has cautioned members of the public against participating in what he termed unlawful demonstrations in the Central Business District (CBD).
The warning, issued on Friday, April 17, follows online mobilisation efforts, with organisers calling for mass action on Tuesday, April 21, in response to the continued rise in fuel prices.
According to Mohamud, authorities have not received any formal communication or notification from those behind the planned protests. He emphasised that any gathering that fails to follow legal procedures risks being deemed illegal and could prompt police intervention.
The developments come days after President William Ruto addressed calls for nationwide protests over the rising cost of fuel, urging both leaders and citizens to pursue practical solutions instead.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 15, Ruto dismissed protests as an effective response to the issue, advocating for more strategic approaches.
“There are others saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests in the country. I want to ask, if they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease? We must use our brains to find ways to reduce the price of fuel,” he said.
Earlier the same day, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned of potential nationwide demonstrations if urgent measures are not taken to address the rising cost of fuel.
Speaking during a press briefing, Gachagua, on behalf of the opposition coalition, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to act on a series of demands aimed at lowering fuel prices and addressing what he described as a worsening fuel crisis.
He warned that failure to act within the stipulated timeline would trigger protests across the country.
“If there is no action taken on the part of William Ruto, we shall announce further measures to the people of Kenya to force William Ruto and the National Assembly to act in the best interest of the people of Kenya,” the United Opposition warned.
Later on Wednesday night, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced revised retail fuel prices following changes in VAT.
