Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has called on police to exercise restraint in handling crowds during the planned protests on Tuesday over high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
The demonstrations have been organised by a coalition of Gen Z youth activists and various civil society groups, with backing from some opposition figures.
However, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud last Friday termed the planned protests illegal, saying no formal notification had been submitted.
He warned that officers would disperse any gatherings within the Nairobi CBD, raising the likelihood of a confrontation between law enforcement and protesters.
“We operate strictly within the law, guided by the Public Order Act and the Constitution. 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 said.
The police boss noted that while Article 33 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to picket and protest, the right is not absolute.
“It must be exercised with due regard to the rights and freedoms of other Kenyans and visitors,” he added.
Despite the warning, Gen Z activists have sustained an online mobilisation campaign under hashtags such as #RejectFuelPrices, #TotalShutdown, #NairobiNow and #GenZForChange.
Speaking on Monday on Kameme TV, Gachagua urged police to allow young people to express their grievances peacefully, without fear of violence or intimidation.
He said he supports youth who opt for non-violent means of protest.
“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 young people choose to demonstrate against the high cost of fuel, please do not kill them as you have done in the past,” he said.
Earlier, on April 15, President William Ruto dismissed the planned protests as unnecessary, arguing that rising fuel prices are a global phenomenon driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“Some are saying that because the cost of fuel has gone up—and it has gone up everywhere—they want to protest. I wonder, if we demonstrate, will the cost of fuel come down?” he posed during a rally in Suneka, Kisii county.
The President said the government had taken remedial measures, including halving VAT on fuel and activating a Sh6.2 billion fuel subsidy to cushion Kenyans from soaring fuel prices.
Following these measures, a litre of super petrol and diesel now retail at Sh197.60 and Sh196.63 respectively in Nairobi, while Kerosene, whose price remains unchanged, stands at Sh152.78.
Despite the developments, youth organisers last week insisted the protests would proceed as planned.
“Tuesday is Tuesday. If they cannot listen to our grievances, we are declaring maandamano on this Tuesday,” one of the leaders said.
Various political leaders, including ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction, have aligned themselves with the demonstrations, with figures such as James Orengo calling for nationwide protests.
