Gachagua urges restraint as police warn of crackdown ahead of Tuesday protests
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to security agencies to exercise restraint in handling demonstrators during planned protests set for Tuesday, as tensions mount over rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.
The demonstrations, organised by a coalition of Gen Z activists and civil society groups, have gained traction online and drawn support from sections of the opposition. However, authorities have signalled a firm stance, warning that any unauthorised gatherings will be dispersed.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud last Friday declared the planned protests illegal, citing a lack of formal notification as required under the Public Order Act. He emphasised that police would act decisively to maintain order in the central business district.
“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,” Mohamud said.
He acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees the right to protest but stressed that such freedoms are not absolute.
“It must be exercised with due regard to the rights and freedoms of other Kenyans and visitors,” he added.
Despite the warnings, organisers have intensified mobilisation efforts on social media under hashtags including #RejectFuelPrices, #TotalShutdown, and #GenZForChange, signalling their intent to proceed.
Speaking on Kameme TV on Monday, Gachagua voiced support for peaceful demonstrations, urging law enforcement to avoid violence.
“If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings,” he said. “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.”
His remarks come amid heightened political debate over the protests. President William Ruto previously dismissed the planned demonstrations, arguing that the rise in fuel prices is part of a global trend linked to instability 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?” the President said during a rally in Suneka, Kisii County.
Ruto defended government interventions aimed at cushioning consumers, including a reduction in VAT on fuel and the rollout of a Sh6.2 billion subsidy programme. Following these measures, the price of super petrol and diesel in Nairobi stands at Sh197.60 and Sh196.63 per litre respectively, while kerosene remains at Sh152.78.
Nevertheless, protest organisers insist the demonstrations will go ahead.
“Tuesday is Tuesday. If they cannot listen to our grievances, we are declaring maandamano on this Tuesday,” one youth leader said.
Several political figures have also aligned themselves with the movement, including members of the ODM Linda Mwananchi faction. Siaya Governor James Orengo has been among those calling for broader, nationwide protests.
With both sides holding firm positions, the stage appears set for a potentially volatile standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement in the capital.
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