Issa Mohamud has ruled that the planned demonstrations over fuel prices set for Tuesday, April 21, do not meet legal requirements, citing failure by organisers to give the mandatory 14-day notice.
Addressing the media on Friday, the Nairobi police chief said the National Police Service had not received any formal application, despite widespread mobilisation on social media platforms. He warned that authorities would act against individuals who proceed with the protests without following the law.
“We are aware of the calls for demonstrations, but no official notification has been submitted. That makes the protests unlawful,” Mohamud stated, adding that police remain committed to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly when due process is observed.
He also expressed concern over a recurring pattern where protest organisers either ignore notification rules or stray from agreed routes, creating opportunities for disorder. According to him, any demonstrations used as a cover for criminal acts, including looting, will face firm action.
On broader security efforts, Mohamud revealed that recent operations targeting criminal networks in Nairobi have led to 84 arrests. Police also recovered more than 120 motorcycles along with weapons such as bows and arrows. He noted that intelligence-driven patrols will continue as part of efforts to curb rising crime in the city.