Police in Nairobi have arrested 11 people following protests in the city centre on Tuesday, April 21, over rising fuel prices.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the arrests while speaking to the media during an inspection in the Central Business District (CBD). He said the situation in the city was under control and most businesses were operating normally.
He added that those arrested will be taken to court the following day to face charges.
“So far, we have arrested 11, and we will take them to court tomorrow and charge them,” he said.
Mohamud also dismissed fears of widespread disruption, saying business in the CBD had not been affected much despite the protests.
“More than 98 per cent of businesses are open. There is nothing to fear. Economy and peace are prevailing,” he said, urging traders who had closed their shops to reopen and continue with normal work.
The protests were sparked by anger over increased fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Many Kenyans, especially young people, have been complaining that the cost of living has become too high. They say transport, food, and basic needs are becoming harder to afford every day.
On social media platforms, there have been calls from the youth community asking for mass protests in the Nairobi CBD to air their grievances. But just a few turned out to take part in the protest, which was much lower tha previous protests in Nairobi.
The police had previously warned the participants not to hold such protests since they were not lawful since the organizers had not given any notice to that effect. The police commissioner demanded that any person planning a protest should go through the proper procedure of notifying relevant authorities about the plan.
During his tour of the city, Mohamud expressed that things were quite normal in Nairobi, while he accused some of the protesters of disturbing the peace of the area.
Mohamud also went ahead to attack the media for spreading incorrect information and causing panic among the general population.
“As media professionals, let’s report with responsibility and love for the country. Let’s avoid spreading fear,” he said.