Protests in Nairobi gathered momentum on Tuesday as a section of youths took to the streets to demonstrate against rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.
The protesters, some carrying Kenyan flags, chanted patriotic songs as they moved through parts of the central business district.
Their presence marked a shift from the calm observed earlier in the day when businesses were operating normally, and traffic flowed with minimal disruption.
A heavy police presence was deployed across the CBD, with officers seen patrolling while armed with batons.
Police also arrested several demonstrators, bundling them into police vehicles as they attempted to disperse the crowds.
Water cannons were spotted in select streets, signalling preparedness by security agencies to contain any escalation.
The demonstrations come amid growing public discontent over the rising cost of essential commodities, with fuel prices emerging as a key trigger for the protests.
A coalition of Gen Z activists and opposition-linked groups announced plans for nationwide demonstrations scheduled for April 21.
The protests aim to push for further reductions in fuel prices and to address the broader cost of living.
Energy Regulatory Authority (Epra) announced significant increases in fuel prices for the April–May cycle, with petrol rising by Sh28.69 and diesel by Sh40.30. A day later, the regulator revised the prices downward following a reduction in VAT from 13 per cent to 8 per cent.
In Nairobi, super petrol dropped by Sh9.37 to Sh197.60 per litre, while diesel fell by Sh10.21 to Sh196.63.
Kerosene prices remained unchanged at Sh152.78.
The revised prices took effect on April 16 and will remain in place until May 14, 2026.
The adjustment followed an earlier spike that had pushed fuel prices in Nairobi to record highs, with super petrol reaching Sh206.97 and diesel Sh206.84 per litre.
Earlier, the United States Embassy in Nairobi issued a security alert warning its citizens in Kenya to exercise caution ahead of planned demonstrations in Nairobi.
In a notice on April 20, 2026, the embassy said it was aware of calls circulating on social media for protests on Tuesday, April 21, over rising fuel prices and the cost of living.
The embassy cautioned that demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of protest are common and can disrupt movement by blocking major roads and intersections, often leading to widespread traffic congestion.
It also warned that some protests have previously turned violent, involving incidents such as stone-throwing and the use of tear gas and, in some cases, deadly force by police.
“Political violence can be sporadic and occur with little warning,” the advisory noted.
The embassy urged US citizens to avoid protest areas and large crowds, monitor local media for updates, and maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings.
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