225 Arrested as Fuel Price Protests Rock Nairobi
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has revealed that 225 people have been arrested during ongoing protests against the recent fuel price increases.
Addressing the press on Monday, the commander stated that many demonstrators failed to observe the law while expressing their grievances, leading to the arrests. He warned that those detained will face serious charges and the full force of the law, as authorities work to restore order in the capital.
The protests have turned chaotic in several areas, with demonstrators vandalising five police vehicles by smashing windscreens and damaging one civilian car. Six police officers sustained injuries during running battles with the crowds. Commander Mohamud urged citizens not to allow criminal elements or political actors to hijack peaceful demonstrations, emphasising that blocking roads or destroying property will only worsen the economic situation without solving the fuel crisis.
Despite the tensions, Mohamud denied reports of any protester deaths specifically in Nairobi, even as some fatalities have been reported in other parts of the country. He called on the public to channel their concerns through lawful channels rather than violence, warning that any attempts to hold the city hostage through lawlessness would not be tolerated. The protests stem from widespread anger over sharp hikes in petrol and diesel prices that have disrupted businesses and daily commutes.
The situation remains fluid as public transport operators continue their strike, further paralysing movement across Nairobi and beyond. While the government faces mounting pressure to address the cost-of-living crisis, police have vowed to maintain firm control. The coming days will test whether the authorities and protesters can find common ground before the unrest escalates further and causes more damage to the economy and public safety.
