🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Nairobi fuel price protests lead to 11 arrests amid heavy police presence
via Tuko2 min read
Protests erupted in Nairobi's Central Business District over rising fuel prices, leading to 11 arrests and a heavy police presence. The government attributed the price hike to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has increased global petroleum product costs. However, the alternative government, led by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, claimed the increase was linked to a "historical scandal" involving former President William Ruto, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. Opposition leaders had announced national protests following the new fuel price announcement. On Tuesday, April 21, demonstrators took to the streets in various parts of the country, where they were met by police, tear gas, and arrests. Protesters, who called for good governance and justice, were bundled into police vehicles. Nairobi regional police commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the arrests and stated that the protests were illegal. President Ruto had previously criticized planned demonstrations, asserting they would not reduce fuel prices.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for heavy rainfall in 11 counties between Wednesday, April 22, and Monday, April 27. The Kenya Red Cross has warned residents in these areas to prepare for downpours exceeding 20mm in 24 hours, gusty winds over 25 knots, and sea waves above 2 meters along the Coast. The counties expected to be affected include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, parts of Wajir, Mandera, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, and Makueni. Floods, flash floods, and poor visibility are anticipated, with the Kenya Red Cross advising vigilance for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility. Motorists are urged to be extra cautious, and residents are advised to avoid driving or walking in moving water or open fields, not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows, and to take precautions during maritime activities.
A Wamunyu Law Court has sentenced a female drug trafficker to 20 years imprisonment and convicted a civil engineering student for possession in a landmark ruling on March 26, 2026. The case began with a week-long intelligence operation by NACADA enforcement officers in the Kabaa area of Mbiuni. On April 10, 2025, officers observed the second accused entering a house with a manila sack. Inside the sack, 4.115 kilograms of unprocessed bhang, valued at Ksh 126,250, were found. Additionally, 87 small rolls of processed bhang and Ksh 4,220, suspected to be crime proceeds, were recovered from the house. Senior Resident Magistrate P.E. Nabwana ruled that the first accused, the student, actively participated in the crime despite claiming ignorance. The first accused was fined KSh 100,000 or faces 3 years imprisonment for possession. The second accused was fined KSh 50 million or will serve 20 years imprisonment for trafficking. NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa lauded the outcome, attributing it to a presidential proclamation on the renewed anti-drug fight and increased collaboration between NACADA and the Judiciary. Omerikwa stated that this 20-year sentence demonstrates that no trafficker is beyond the reach of the law, signaling a new chapter in Kenya's fight against drug cartels.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on the Ameru community to rally behind President William Ruto for his reelection in the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a development tour in Meru county, Kindiki emphasized that the community has no alternative but to support Ruto, linking ongoing development projects to sustained backing of the current administration. He stated that these projects require time and consistent leadership to be completed, positioning political support as crucial for unlocking further development in the county. Kindiki used parables, likening the current leadership to an expectant cow that needs time to deliver, with the delivery projected for 2032. He hinted at his own potential rise to the highest office after President Ruto completes his two terms in 2032, engaging the crowd on future leadership. Meru governor Mutuma M’Ethingia echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, affirming Meru county's support for President Ruto and the Deputy President, while criticizing government opponents for their past failures in leadership.
Must ReadHeavily armed police officers were deployed to Nairobi's Central Business District CBD on Tuesday, April 21, to disperse protesters demonstrating against recent fuel price hikes. A handful of protesters gathered near the Kenya National Archives along Tom Mboya Street, with some reportedly rounded up by anti-terror police and taken into police vehicles. Water cannons were also positioned in select streets. Nairobi police chief Issa Mohamud stated that the planned demonstrations, called by opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua and Gen Z activists, were unlawful as the National Police Service had not received the mandatory 14-day advance notification for public gatherings.