ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa is deeply concerned by reports that at least 4 people have been killed, more than 30 injured, and hundreds arrested during protests linked to nationwide transport strikes against the recent increase in fuel prices in Kenya. The protests, which disrupted transport and business activities across parts of the country on 18 and 19 May 2026, emerged amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living, following a more than a 20 percent increase in petroleum prices.
On 18 May 2026, stakeholders in Kenya’s public transport sector commenced nationwide industrial action in protest against recent increases in fuel prices and the rising cost of living. The strike, which began at midnight, following a joint resolution by transport sector actors to suspend operations countrywide, was coordinated under the umbrella of the Transport Sector Alliance and received support from multiple subsectors, including passenger transport operators, cargo and logistics companies, ride-hailing service providers, boda boda taxi operators, tourism transport providers, driving schools, school transport operators, and private motorists. The protests follow weeks of growing concern over the economic impact of rising fuel prices, which have significantly increased transport and commodity costs across the country.
Demonstrations linked to economic hardship and governance concerns constitute protected expression under Kenyan, regional, and international human rights law.
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa is concerned by reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, intimidation of protesters, and security agencies’ continued criminalisation of dissent. We are particularly alarmed by the deaths and injuries reported during the protests, as well as allegations that peaceful protesters and those exercising lawful discretion within the criminal justice system are being targeted for punitive action.
According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, at least 4 people were killed, over 30 were injured, and at least 348 people were arrested during the demonstrations. Authorities have alleged that criminal gangs infiltrated sections of the protests and engaged in acts of violence and destruction. ARTICLE 19 notes that, while the state has a legitimate responsibility to maintain public order and protect lives and property, such measures must at all times comply with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards governing public order management.
At the end of the first day of the protest, 64 protestors were released by the Officer Commanding Station, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya of Central Police Station Nairobi. The Chief Inspector was later arrested for this decision by the Deputy Regional Police Commander for alleged abuse of office by releasing the protestors without lawful authority. The officer was held in custody for several hours, even after raising health concerns of high blood pressure. The matter was later transferred to the Police Internal Affairs Unit for investigations. Kenyan civil society had publicly supported the actions of the Chief Inspector for not allowing protestors to be held unlawfully or face exaggerated criminal charges for exercising their civil rights.
Legal framework
The right to assembly is guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which protects the right of every person to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions peacefully.
The rights to freedom of expression and association are further protected under Articles 33 and 36 of the Constitution.
These protections are reinforced by international and regional human rights instruments to which Kenya is party, including Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. International standards are clear that assemblies may not be restricted simply because they are inconvenient, disruptive to ordinary activities, or critical of the government.
The National Police Service Act and Service Standing Orders further provide guidance on the policing of assemblies and the use of force. Law enforcement officers are required to prioritise non-violent means, ensure that any force used is lawful, necessary and proportionate, facilitate access to medical assistance for injured persons, and ensure accountability following the use of force.
However, in Kenya, protests continue to be met with heavy-handed policing, arbitrary arrests, and the misuse of public order laws to suppress dissenting voices. Protesters are frequently accused of participating in unlawful assemblies, despite constitutional protections guaranteeing the right to peaceful protest without prior authorisation from the police.
In light of this, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa calls upon the Government of Kenya and the National Police Service to:
- Respect and protect the right of everyone to peaceful assembly, free expression, and association as guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights law;
- Ensure prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into the killings, injuries, and allegations of excessive force during the protests;
- Refrain from arbitrary arrests, intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention of protesters and government critics;
- Ensure that any persons arrested are afforded due process guarantees and are not subjected to punitive or unlawful charges aimed at suppressing dissent;
- Guarantee that police officers exercising lawful discretion, including the granting of police bond, are protected from intimidation or politically motivated reprisals.
At a time of heightened economic hardship and public frustration, the Kenyan authorities should prioritise dialogue, accountability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms rather than repression.