WEKESA KULECHO
As the sun rises over the Central Business District this morning, there is an uneasy calm. The usual chaotic honking of matatus is there, and hawkers are laying out their wares. But beneath the surface, the city is holding its breath.
Today, April 21, 2026, was supposed to be a "Total Shutdown." A coalition of Gen Z activists and opposition-linked groups had called for nationwide street protests to reject the recent skyrocketing fuel prices . However, after speaking with Nairobi’s top police commander, it is clear that the government is drawing a line in the sand—and they are warning that the law will hit hard.
Today, April 21, 2026, was supposed to be a "Total Shutdown." A coalition of Gen Z activists and opposition-linked groups had called for nationwide street protests to reject the recent skyrocketing fuel prices . However, after speaking with Nairobi’s top police commander, it is clear that the government is drawing a line in the sand—and they are warning that the law will hit hard.
In an exclusive briefing ahead of the planned action,
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud did not mince his words. While the constitution guarantees the right to picket, the police boss insists that the organizers failed to do their homework.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud did not mince his words. While the constitution guarantees the right to picket, the police boss insists that the organizers failed to do their homework.
"While it is the Inspector General of Police who speaks for the country, but for Nairobi, I have not received any notification for that," Mohamud stated firmly on Friday .
He explained that the Public Order Act requires organizers to give a notice of between three and fourteen days. With no official letter on his desk, he says the gathering is unlawful.
"If I have not received anything, it becomes illegal, and we will deal with it because the law must be followed," the police boss warned .
Mohamud emphasized that while the Constitution (Article 37) allows for demonstrations, the right is "not absolute."
We operate strictly within the law. We do not oppose picketing, but we facilitate lawful assemblies. There are those who come today and say tomorrow they want to protest. They will not have it. We don’t want disorder; we want order," he added
Mohamud emphasized that while the Constitution (Article 37) allows for demonstrations, the right is "not absolute."
We operate strictly within the law. We do not oppose picketing, but we facilitate lawful assemblies. There are those who come today and say tomorrow they want to protest. They will not have it. We don’t want disorder; we want order," he added
The call for action began organically on social media, where the youth—dubbed "Gen Zs"—have been circulating posters rejecting the recent fuel price hikes.
Just last week, the Energy and Petroleum Regulations Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase, pushing petrol to a record high of Sh206.97 per litre in Nairobi. Although the government later intervened by slashing VAT from 13% to 8%—dropping prices to Sh197.60—many Kenyans feel it is too little, too late .
The anger is palpable. For many young people, the rising cost of living has stolen their future, and the streets of Nairobi have become the only megaphone loud enough for the government to hear.
However, Commander Mohamud has a message for those planning to block roads or force businesses to close: "That’s not allowed. We will deal with you. Others will obstruct the road and will inconvenience other citizens. You have a right, and the other citizen has a right," he said
As the clock ticks toward the protest hour, it isn't just the police who are speaking. A fierce political warning has also been issued to the security apparatus.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, has thrown his weight behind the youth. In a passionate interview with Kameme TV on Monday, he urged the police to show restraint, referencing the heavy-handed tactics seen in previous anti-government protests.
If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings. All I want to ask... 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," Gachagua warned
If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings. All I want to ask... 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," Gachagua warned
Meanwhile, human rights watchdogs are stepping in to prevent a bloodbath. Amnesty International Kenya has issued an urgent advisory to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, reminding officers that their job is to facilitate, not suppress, peaceful protest .
Amnesty warned that the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians is "unlawful and unconstitutional," citing a recent High Court ruling in Kisumu. They have cautioned commanders that they could be held "personally and criminally liable" if officers use excessive force against peaceful demonstrators today .
The police bear a primary responsibility for collectively facilitating and protecting this right, not for suppressing it," the rights group stated
The police bear a primary responsibility for collectively facilitating and protecting this right, not for suppressing it," the rights group stated
As of Tuesday morning, reports from the ground indicate a minimal police presence in the CBD. Unlike previous protests where water cannons and barricades dominated the skyline, officers were seen patrolling on foot with batons, almost as if waiting for the storm to hit .
But the warnings from the police boss remain the final word for now. In the eyes of Issa Mohamud, anyone stepping onto the streets today is not a protester; they are a criminal breaking the law.
We will deal with it," he said. For Nairobi, the day is still young
We will deal with it," he said. For Nairobi, the day is still young
