The heart of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) remained under a tight security blanket on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

Hundreds of anti-riot police officers took up strategic positions around the National Archives and Tom Mboya Avenue. The heavy deployment followed calls for nationwide demonstrations against the recent spike in fuel prices.

Anti-riot police officers on patrol, Nairobi CDB during demonstrations over the recent fuel hike in Nairobi on April 21, 2026 // Enos Teche

The mood was somber as the morning progressed. By mid-morning, the usual bustle of the National Archives area—a popular meeting point—was replaced by the sight of officers in full combat gear.

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Many carried batons and tear gas canisters, patrolling the paved walkways in small groups.

Voter Registration Halted

The tension forced a sudden stop to essential services. Staff from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), who had been conducting voter registration at a tent near the National Archives, were seen packing up their equipment.

The station was officially closed shortly after the protests commenced. Officials cited safety concerns for both the staff and the public as the gathering of protesters began to grow.

Anti-riot police officer arrests an unidentified man during the protests over the high cost of fuel in Nairobi on April 21, 2026 // Okusi Teche

Nearby, several shops and stalls that usually line the busy streets remained shuttered. Traders opted to stay closed for the day to avoid potential looting or damage to their property.

Arrests and Confrontations

As the momentum for the #RejectFuelPrice demos built, the police moved in to disperse the crowds. In one incident, anti-riot officers were seen arresting an unidentified man. He was bundled into a waiting police vehicle amidst shouts from onlookers.

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Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud had earlier warned that the protests were illegal. He claimed the organisers had not provided the required formal notice to the authorities.

Passersby play football at National Archives in Nairobi's CBD during the protestshe protests over the high cost of fuel in Nairobi on April 21, 2026 // Okusi Teche

"We are here to ensure order. Any gathering that has not been authorised will be dispersed to protect life and property," a senior officer on the ground noted.

A Game of Defiance

Despite the heavy policing, some residents found unique ways to show their defiance. In a striking scene, a group of passersby started a spontaneous game of football right in front of the National Archives.

As officers looked on, the youth kicked the ball across the normally crowded square, turning the site of a potential clash into a temporary playground.

However, the light-hearted moment did not mask the underlying frustration. Small groups of protesters continued to gather, chanting slogans about the high cost of living.

The Economic Toll

The unrest follows a sharp review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on 15 April. The review saw super petrol prices jump by KSh 28.69 per litre, while diesel recorded a historic increase of KSh 40.30.

Current Petrol Price: KSh 206.97 per litre.
Current Diesel Price: KSh 206.84 per litre.
Daily National Burden: An estimated KSh 542 million extra spent on fuel daily.

The government recently attempted to cushion the blow by reducing VAT on petroleum from 16% to 8%, but the relief has been described by many as "too little, too late."

As evening approached, Tom Mboya Avenue remained a scene of cat-and-mouse games between the youth and the police, with the heavy security presence expected to remain throughout the night.