Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Kenyans could once again take to the streets on Tuesday in what has been dubbed the #RejectFuelPrices showdown, a movement spearheaded by the energetic Gen Z. Social media is abuzz, particularly on X, Kenya’s hub for mass organizing and activism, with young citizens rallying behind the cause to pressure the government into addressing the skyrocketing fuel prices and the soaring cost of living.
The campaign, fueled by anger and frustration, has been gaining momentum since June 2024, following a series of fuel price hikes that have pushed the cost above Ksh. 200 per litre. Many Kenyans have pointed fingers at the Energy Ministry, citing poor management, alleged corruption, and recent scandals that have seen top officials arrested or interrogated in connection with fuel importation irregularities.
On X, hashtags such as #RejectFuelPrices and rallying calls like “Tuesday is Tuesday” and “I am ready for Tuesday” have gone viral. Social media influencers and personalities with massive followings have joined the movement, amplifying the call to action and mobilizing crowds. Posters announcing the demonstrations have also been circulated widely, boldly declaring:
"Total Shutdown Tuesday. Fixing the Nation. Kanyaga Shingo. Rage and Courage. Tokea Streets! April 21!"
Prominent voices like Nyaga Muchina have warned that the protests this time will be more intense and unwavering than previous demonstrations. In a fiery post, Muchina wrote, “Roundi hii si mchezo! Last time ni kama tulitishiwa. This time, we are uprooting this rotten leadership. We have to go the Bangladesh way. Or Nepal. Or Madagascar. We are not leaving the streets this time round. Tuesday is our new Independence Day!”
Legal and political figures have also weighed in. Dr. Ekuru Aukot, a lawyer and politician, tweeted: “Wakenya wenzangu, hamjambo? Kama hatutakunywa mafuta kwa bei nafuu, wacha tukunywe tear gas ya bure hapo Tuesday 21, April 2026. Ama vipi? #Rejectthefuelprices!”
Active citizens such as Willie Oeba, Ademba Allans, and Kibet Bull have kept the fire burning, reminding Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and sustain the pressure. “Tuesday is the day that the Lord has made! #RejectFuelPrices!” Kibet Bull posted, reflecting the collective determination of the youth.
However, authorities have warned against the planned protests. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud stated that the demonstrations will not be permitted, citing the organizers’ failure to notify the National Police Service (NPS) as required by law. During a press briefing on Friday, Mohamud emphasized:
"Although we are aware of calls for protests next week, no official notification has been filed. This renders the planned demonstrations unlawful, and appropriate action will be taken."
The Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, has also weighed in, attributing the rising fuel prices to international forces beyond Kenya’s control. Speaking in Tharaka Nithi on Saturday, April 18, Kindiki explained that global tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, are disrupting oil supplies. He further argued that street protests will not reduce fuel prices:
"Going to the streets for protests won't be a solution. Even if Kenyans were to go to the streets to protest, at the end of the day, the prices would still be high. Our friends protested in 2023 when maize flour prices were high, and the prices never fell. It only went down after the government put in place policies that it formulated to ensure the prices are regulated. Same with the oil issue. Protests won't reduce the prices of fuel."
Despite warnings, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged restraint from security agencies while expressing support for the youth-led movement. In an interview with K24 TV on April 20, Gachagua stated:
"If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings. All I want to ask Murkomen, Kindiki, and William Ruto is that if these wonderful people decide to demonstrate against the high cost of fuel, please don’t kill them as you have done in the past."
The energy regulator, EPRA, announced new fuel prices on April 14, effective from April 15 to May 14, 2026. Retail prices were revised to Ksh. 197.60 for super petrol, Ksh. 196.63 for diesel, and Ksh. 152.78 for kerosene. EPRA explained that the adjustments reflect tax components and recent legislative amendments in the petroleum sector, leaving many Kenyans frustrated over the increased cost of fuel.
As April 21 approaches, Kenyans are preparing for what could be a historic day of civic action. With a blend of youthful energy, social media coordination, and widespread dissatisfaction, the #RejectFuelPrices protests promise to be one of the largest mobilizations in recent memory. While the government calls for calm and legal compliance, the streets may once again become the arena where citizens voice their discontent, asserting their constitutional right to protest and demanding accountability from their leaders.
Whether Tuesday will mark a transformative moment in Kenya’s civic engagement or simply another episode in the ongoing struggle against rising fuel costs remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the streets, social media feeds, and the unfolding political drama.
The campaign, fueled by anger and frustration, has been gaining momentum since June 2024, following a series of fuel price hikes that have pushed the cost above Ksh. 200 per litre. Many Kenyans have pointed fingers at the Energy Ministry, citing poor management, alleged corruption, and recent scandals that have seen top officials arrested or interrogated in connection with fuel importation irregularities.
On X, hashtags such as #RejectFuelPrices and rallying calls like “Tuesday is Tuesday” and “I am ready for Tuesday” have gone viral. Social media influencers and personalities with massive followings have joined the movement, amplifying the call to action and mobilizing crowds. Posters announcing the demonstrations have also been circulated widely, boldly declaring:
"Total Shutdown Tuesday. Fixing the Nation. Kanyaga Shingo. Rage and Courage. Tokea Streets! April 21!"
Prominent voices like Nyaga Muchina have warned that the protests this time will be more intense and unwavering than previous demonstrations. In a fiery post, Muchina wrote, “Roundi hii si mchezo! Last time ni kama tulitishiwa. This time, we are uprooting this rotten leadership. We have to go the Bangladesh way. Or Nepal. Or Madagascar. We are not leaving the streets this time round. Tuesday is our new Independence Day!”
Legal and political figures have also weighed in. Dr. Ekuru Aukot, a lawyer and politician, tweeted: “Wakenya wenzangu, hamjambo? Kama hatutakunywa mafuta kwa bei nafuu, wacha tukunywe tear gas ya bure hapo Tuesday 21, April 2026. Ama vipi? #Rejectthefuelprices!”
Active citizens such as Willie Oeba, Ademba Allans, and Kibet Bull have kept the fire burning, reminding Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and sustain the pressure. “Tuesday is the day that the Lord has made! #RejectFuelPrices!” Kibet Bull posted, reflecting the collective determination of the youth.
However, authorities have warned against the planned protests. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud stated that the demonstrations will not be permitted, citing the organizers’ failure to notify the National Police Service (NPS) as required by law. During a press briefing on Friday, Mohamud emphasized:
"Although we are aware of calls for protests next week, no official notification has been filed. This renders the planned demonstrations unlawful, and appropriate action will be taken."
The Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, has also weighed in, attributing the rising fuel prices to international forces beyond Kenya’s control. Speaking in Tharaka Nithi on Saturday, April 18, Kindiki explained that global tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, are disrupting oil supplies. He further argued that street protests will not reduce fuel prices:
"Going to the streets for protests won't be a solution. Even if Kenyans were to go to the streets to protest, at the end of the day, the prices would still be high. Our friends protested in 2023 when maize flour prices were high, and the prices never fell. It only went down after the government put in place policies that it formulated to ensure the prices are regulated. Same with the oil issue. Protests won't reduce the prices of fuel."
Despite warnings, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged restraint from security agencies while expressing support for the youth-led movement. In an interview with K24 TV on April 20, Gachagua stated:
"If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings. All I want to ask Murkomen, Kindiki, and William Ruto is that if these wonderful people decide to demonstrate against the high cost of fuel, please don’t kill them as you have done in the past."
The energy regulator, EPRA, announced new fuel prices on April 14, effective from April 15 to May 14, 2026. Retail prices were revised to Ksh. 197.60 for super petrol, Ksh. 196.63 for diesel, and Ksh. 152.78 for kerosene. EPRA explained that the adjustments reflect tax components and recent legislative amendments in the petroleum sector, leaving many Kenyans frustrated over the increased cost of fuel.
As April 21 approaches, Kenyans are preparing for what could be a historic day of civic action. With a blend of youthful energy, social media coordination, and widespread dissatisfaction, the #RejectFuelPrices protests promise to be one of the largest mobilizations in recent memory. While the government calls for calm and legal compliance, the streets may once again become the arena where citizens voice their discontent, asserting their constitutional right to protest and demanding accountability from their leaders.
Whether Tuesday will mark a transformative moment in Kenya’s civic engagement or simply another episode in the ongoing struggle against rising fuel costs remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the streets, social media feeds, and the unfolding political drama.
