Kenyans Prepare for Street Protests Over High Fuel Prices on Tuesday

The protests, widely known online as #RejectFuelPrices, are being driven mainly by young people through social media platforms. Posters and messages calling for a “Total Shutdown Tuesday” have been shared widely, with slogans urging citizens to come out in large numbers and stay on the streets until their concerns are heard. This planned action follows fresh anger over rising living costs that affect transport, food, and daily expenses for ordinary families.

The latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority set super petrol at Sh197.60 per litre, diesel at Sh196.63, and kerosene at Sh152.78, effective from mid-April to mid-May. Many people see these increases as too high and blame poor management and other issues in the energy sector. The hikes come at a time when households are already struggling, making it harder to move goods, run small businesses, or simply travel to work and school. Calls for the protests have grown quickly, with some comparing the moment to earlier movements that started with online hashtags and turned into widespread action.

Several public figures have spoken in support of the demonstrations. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that if young people decide to protest peacefully, he gives his blessings and urged security forces not to respond with force. Lawyer and politician Dr. Ekuru Aukot encouraged people to join, saying they would rather face tear gas than continue paying high prices for fuel. Online voices have used strong language, talking about the need for real change and refusing to back down quickly this time.

On the other side, government officials have warned against the planned protests. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud stated that no formal notification was received as required by law, making the demonstrations unlawful and subject to appropriate action. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki added that taking to the streets would not solve the problem, pointing to global factors such as tensions in the Middle East that affect oil supplies. He said prices only come down through proper policies, not protests.

As Tuesday approaches, tension is building across the country. While many citizens feel strongly about the need to voice their frustrations over fuel costs and the broader economy, others worry about possible disruptions or clashes. The coming days will show how many people take to the streets and how authorities respond. For now, the #RejectFuelPrices call has brought the issue of high living costs back to the centre of national attention, reminding leaders that ordinary Kenyans continue to feel the pressure at the pump and in their pockets.