Julius Kamau Arrested in Nairobi Fuel Price Protests

Nairobi — Eleven protesters, including activist Julius Kamau, were arrested in Nairobi’s central business district on Tuesday as police moved to disperse small gatherings linked to the #RejectFuelPrice demonstrations. The arrests occurred near the National Archives, where anti-riot officers broke up a protest gathering. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that 11 individuals were detained. Police presence was significantly heightened across the CBD, although business activity and pedestrian and vehicular movement remained largely normal. According to a midday situation update, protest activity in the capital was limited and largely contained, with authorities maintaining a heavy and sustained deployment to deter further mobilisation. Elsewhere, isolated incidents were reported without major disruption. In Kirinyaga County, a bonfire was lit in Mwea Town, though normal operations continued. In Makueni County’s Emali Town, increased police presence was observed, but no protests were reported. A similar security posture was noted in Mlolongo, Machakos County, where the situation remained calm. The protests come amid growing public frustration over high fuel costs, which have triggered periodic calls for demonstrations in recent weeks.