NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested at least 225 people following nationwide protests over rising fuel prices that disrupted transport and business operations in Nairobi and other towns.
According to Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, the demonstrations turned violent and caused widespread disruption across the capital.
“We have 225 arrests so far. We will charge them with serious offences, economic sabotage, and malicious damage to police vehicles,” Mohamud said.
Police dismiss protests as unlawful
Mohamud said the demonstrations were not formally communicated to police as required under the law.
He claimed the gatherings quickly escalated into riots involving blocked roads, destruction of property, and attacks on officers.
“We were not notified in advance. It was not peaceful. It was armed, so it was illegal,” he said.
According to police, protesters used rocks, blocks, and boulders to barricade roads, disrupting traffic flow and public transport.
The commander added that the unrest interfered with businesses and essential services, which police classified as economic sabotage.
Claims of planned violence
Mohamud further alleged that security agencies had received intelligence reports warning that armed individuals planned to exploit the demonstrations.
“We had credible intelligence that there were hired goons armed with crude weapons who wanted to loot supermarkets, shops, and destroy property,” he said.
Police maintained that officers were deployed to secure major roads, restore order, and prevent further destruction.
Injuries and property damage reported
Authorities said six police officers were injured during the confrontations.
Police vehicles and civilian property were also reportedly damaged during the unrest.
Mohamud rejected claims that the demonstrations were peaceful protests, insisting they amounted to criminal activity disguised as public dissent.
“It was not a protest. It was a riot with the intention to loot,” he said.
“Nairobi will not be held hostage by lawlessness.”
Fuel crisis sparks nationwide outrage
The protests erupted days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced sharp fuel price increases.
Diesel prices rose by Sh46.29 per litre while petrol increased by Sh16.65 per litre.
The hikes triggered anger among transport operators and consumers already struggling with the high cost of living.
Matatu operators staged a strike earlier in the day, paralysing transport across several urban areas and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Government under pressure
As public frustration grows, the government faces mounting pressure to address fuel pricing concerns and restore calm.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi earlier said the government is considering further interventions to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel costs.
Meanwhile, police warned that further unlawful demonstrations would attract firm action under the law.
