Activists Protesting over Fuel Prices Released on Bail
Seven activists who were protesting over fuel prices have been released on a cash bail of Ksh.1,000 each after pleading not guilty to charges of obstructing the free flow of traffic in Nairobi.
The activists faced charges under Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya.
The prosecution alleges that seven persons: Nyanjom Otieno Collins, Shem Mboyi, Willie Maina and Collins Otieno Ochieng jointly obstructed the movement of motor vehicles along City Hall Way at around noon on October 26.
In a separate charge, Elisha Ochieng Alam, Fredrick Odhiambo and Julius Kamau Kimani are accused of obstructing traffic along Kimathi Street on the same day.
According to the prosecution, the seven allegedly stood or assembled on sections of the roads alongside other individuals who have not been brought before the court, disrupting the free flow of traffic.
The seven were each released on Ksh.1,000 cash bail.
The demonstrations, organised by the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, protested the high cost of fuel and its impact on the cost of living.
Armed with placards and anti-government slogans, the protestors marched through Nairobi's Central Business District as they called for fuel price reduction.
They noted that the higher pump prices could trigger a ripple effect in the increase of essential goods.
On October 14, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased the prices of Super Petrol by Ksh.12.93 per litre, diesel by Ksh.9.90, and kerosene by Ksh.28.49.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol now retails at Ksh.226.96 per litre, diesel at Ksh.227.76 and kerosene at Ksh.219.87 for the period running until November 14, 2026.
Several activists were arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Monday as police moved to disperse demonstrations against rising fuel prices, with protesters accusing the government of worsening the cost of living.
The arrests on Monday, October 26, 2026, came days after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised fuel prices for the October-November period, pushing the cost of petrol in Nairobi to Ksh226.96 per litre.
The protesters argued that higher fuel prices were increasing transport fares and putting additional pressure on households and businesses.
One of the protesters claimed that the landed cost of fuel was KSh106 per litre, compared with Ksh226 at the pump, and accused President William Ruto and his associates of benefiting from the difference.
“That means Ruto and his cabal are stealing from Kenyans 100 shillings per litre,” the activist said. The allegation was not independently verified.
The activist also criticised fuel levies, arguing that Kenyans were not seeing corresponding development from the charges.
The demonstrations follow a series of public concerns over rising petroleum costs, including earlier protests in Nairobi CBD. Police previously arrested demonstrators during planned fuel price protests in April.
The protester vowed that demonstrations would continue until fuel prices came down.
“We will no longer come out of the street, not unless the fuel price imeshuka,” the activist said.
“Without fuel price kushuka, vijana tutakuwa tuko kwa barabara kila siku,” the speaker added.
The activist said the protesters wanted to draw international attention to the cost of fuel in Kenya and challenged the government’s explanation that global market conditions were responsible for the increases.