Nairobi is set to witness fresh demonstrations on Monday, October 26, 2026, as the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders mobilises members of the public to protest rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of living.
In a notification letter dated Thursday, October 22, and received at Police Service Headquarters the same day, the coalition said the planned peaceful march would begin along Kimathi Street in the Central Business District (CBD) before proceeding towards State House, Nairobi.
“We, the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, hereby notify your office of our intention to hold a peaceful demonstration on Monday, 26 October 2026, to protest the high cost of fuel and its impact on the cost of living,” the letter stated.
The organisers estimate that between 500 and 900 people will participate in the demonstration, pledging to maintain peace, ensure orderly participation and respect the rights of other members of the public throughout the march.
“We undertake to promote peaceful and orderly participation and to respect the rights of the public throughout the demonstration. We submit this notification for your attention and necessary coordination in accordance with the law,” the coalition added.
The planned demonstration comes days after protesters took to Kimathi Street on Tuesday, October 20, to express their dissatisfaction with the rising cost of fuel and its ripple effects on household expenses and business operations.
During the earlier protests, Citizen TV journalist Ode Francis was temporarily arrested by police while covering the demonstrations.
Images from the scene showed plainclothes officers dragging the journalist along Kimathi Street, near the Kenyatta Avenue junction, before bundling him into a waiting police Land Cruiser. The incident prompted investigations.
The renewed calls for demonstrations follow the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for the October-November pricing cycle.
Under the revised prices, a litre of petrol in Nairobi retails at KSh226.96, diesel at KSh227.76 and kerosene at KSh219.87.
The increases have triggered concern among motorists, public transport operators and ride-hailing drivers, who warn that higher fuel costs are placing additional pressure on operating expenses and household incomes.
Despite growing discontent over the fuel price increases, Matatu Owners Association president Albert Karakacha has ruled out an industry-wide strike, indicating that operators will continue offering transport services.
However, commuters could bear much of the financial burden as operators seek to cushion their businesses against rising diesel costs.
The planned protest is expected to renew public debate over fuel pricing, the affordability of essential goods and services, and the mounting financial pressure facing Kenyan households.
As the demonstrations approach, attention will be on the police response and whether the organisers will be able to conduct the march peacefully along the proposed route to State House.
