Ten activists arrested during demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel in Nairobi have denied charges of blocking the free movement of people and causing public inconvenience, as pressure mounts over the high cost of living.
The group was arraigned before the City Court in Nairobi on Wednesday at midday, where they pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Rhoda Yator. The proceedings, however, were briefly interrupted after a lawyer appearing for the Law Society of Kenya raised objections, arguing that two of the accused persons are minors.
Following the objection, the court directed that the two be escorted to Central Police Station for age assessment by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS). A report confirming their ages is expected to be filed in court by Thursday, April 23. The two did not take plea pending the outcome of the assessment.
Magistrate Yator subsequently ordered the release of the remaining ten accused persons on a cash bail of KSh 3,000 each. The matter is scheduled for mention on May 7, 2024.
According to the prosecution, the activists were arrested on Tuesday while attempting to stage protests within Nairobi’s Central Business District. Anti-riot police were deployed to disperse the demonstrators, with authorities maintaining that the arrests were necessary to prevent disruption of business operations and to maintain public order in the busy commercial hub.
The arrests come amid growing nationwide concern over the rising cost of fuel, which has had a ripple effect on transport fares, food prices, and other essential commodities. In recent months, Kenyans have increasingly turned to social media platforms to mobilize and express dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy.
Unlike previous protests led by established political figures or civil society organizations, the current demonstrations have largely been decentralized, with no clear leadership structure. This has made them more difficult for authorities to anticipate and manage.
Public frustration has been further fueled by repeated increases in fuel prices, often linked to global oil market fluctuations, currency depreciation, and domestic taxation policies. The economic strain has intensified calls for government intervention to cushion citizens from the escalating cost of living.
Those charged include Julias Kamau Kimani, Elisha Ochieng, Collins Otieno Ochieng, Emmanuel Yegon, Dickson Mworia, Brian Mwenda, Alphons Opiyo, Michael Ngige, Emmanuel Muchui, and Joshua Okayo.
