NAIROBI, Kenya-Amnesty International Kenya has issued a public safety advisory to the National Police Service ahead of anticipated nationwide demonstrations over rising fuel prices scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
In a statement released on Monday, the rights group reminded police that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37, stressing that law enforcement must facilitate—not suppress—public protests.
“The Police bear a primary responsibility for collectively facilitating and protecting this right, not for suppressing it,” the advisory stated.
Warning over use of force
The organisation cited past protests where it documented excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, harassment of journalists and obstruction of medical personnel.
It warned that officers and their commanders could face personal and criminal liability for violations of human rights and the law.
The advisory referenced recent court rulings, including a High Court decision in Kisumu, which declared the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians during protests unlawful and unconstitutional.
“The Court was categorical that firearms may only be used where strictly unavoidable to protect life,” the statement noted, warning against treating protests as “battlefields.”
Eight-point directive to police
Amnesty outlined key guidelines it said must shape police conduct during the demonstrations:
- Facilitate peaceful protests: Officers should protect demonstrators and not disperse or intimidate those exercising their rights.
- Command accountability: Senior officers will be held responsible for unlawful actions by those under their command, with all officers required to be identifiable.
- Use of force: Any force must be lawful, proportionate and a last resort, with emphasis on de-escalation.
- Media protection: Journalists must be allowed to operate freely without interference, including protection from shutdowns or restrictions.
- Protect health workers: Medical personnel and human rights observers must be granted safe passage.
- Differentiate protesters: Police must distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and individuals engaging in criminal acts.
- Rights of arrested persons: Those detained must be informed of reasons for arrest, granted legal access and presented in court within 24 hours.
- Oversight: Any deaths or serious injuries must be reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and investigated.
Call to avoid repeat of past violence
Amnesty emphasised that public order and human rights are not mutually exclusive, urging restraint to prevent a repeat of previous protest-related violence.
“There must be no further loss of life, no excessive use of force, and no suppression of media freedom during the exercise of the right to peaceful protest,” the statement read.
The advisory comes amid heightened tension in the country, with youth activists and sections of the opposition mobilising for demonstrations over fuel price increases and the rising cost of living.
With police already warning that the protests are unlawful due to lack of notification, Tuesday’s demonstrations are shaping up to be a critical test of the balance between security enforcement and constitutional freedoms.
