The Coalition of Human Rights Defenders has notified the police of plans to stage a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi on Monday, October 26, 2026, to protest rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living. In a notification letter dated Thursday, October 22, and received at the Police Service Headquarters on the same day, the coalition outlined its plans for a march through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), with State House identified as the intended destination.
The organisers said participants would assemble along Kimathi Street before proceeding towards State House. Between 500 and 900 people are expected to participate in the planned demonstration. In the letter, the coalition said the protest was intended to draw attention to the rising cost of fuel and its impact on the daily lives of Kenyans.
The group also assured the police that it would encourage peaceful participation, maintain order and respect the rights of other members of the public throughout the demonstration. The organisers said they had submitted the notification to allow the relevant authorities to make the necessary arrangements in accordance with the law.
Protest Plans Follow Earlier Demonstrations in Nairobi
The planned march comes less than a week after demonstrators took to Kimathi Street on Tuesday, October 20, to express their frustration over rising fuel prices. The earlier protests attracted attention after Citizen TV journalist Ode Francis was temporarily arrested while covering the demonstrations.
Images circulating from the scene appeared to show plainclothes officers dragging the journalist along Kimathi Street, near the Kenyatta Avenue junction, before placing him inside a waiting police Land Cruiser. Investigations were subsequently launched into the incident. The latest demonstration is expected to renew public attention on fuel costs and their wider impact on transport, businesses and household expenses.
EPRA Fuel Price Increases Fuel Public Concerns
The planned protests follow the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for the October-November 2026 pricing period. Under the revised prices, a litre of petrol in Nairobi costs KSh 226.96, while diesel retails at KSh 227.76 per litre. Kerosene is priced at KSh 219.87 per litre.
The increases have attracted criticism from various groups, including motorists, public transport operators and ride-hailing drivers, who say higher fuel costs are placing additional pressure on their businesses and personal finances. Fuel prices have a direct influence on transport expenses and the cost of moving goods, potentially affecting the prices consumers pay for everyday commodities and services. For many households, rising transport and commodity costs have intensified concerns about affordability as they struggle to manage their daily expenses.
Matatu Operators Rule Out Industry Strike
Amid calls for demonstrations and speculation about possible disruptions in the public transport sector, Matatu Owners Association president Albert Karakacha ruled out an industry-wide strike. Karakacha said matatu operators would continue providing transport services despite the increased cost of diesel. However, commuters could still face higher transport fares as operators seek to manage increased fuel and operational expenses. The planned demonstration is expected to bring renewed focus to public concerns over fuel pricing, the cost of living and the economic pressure facing households and businesses across the country.
