Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has criticised the arrest of protesters in Nairobi, saying peaceful demonstrations over rising fuel costs are a constitutional right that should not be suppressed.

At least 11 people were arrested on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, after attempting to stage protests in the capital’s central business district, with anti-riot police dispersing a group that had gathered near the Archives area.

The demonstrators were trying to march toward the city centre when officers intervened and bundled them into a police vehicle before detaining them at Central Police Station.

In an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Nyutu faulted the government’s handling of the fuel crisis and defended the protesters’ actions.

“Peaceful protesters don’t deserve arrest; it is their right. We wouldn’t be here if the govt stopped blaming high fuel prices on the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

He added that the situation reflected deeper failures in policy planning.

 “A responsible govt should have a fuel buffer to last at least a year. The govt has failed in protecting Kenyans from such eventualities.”

Authorities, however, maintained that the arrests were necessary to preserve order. Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said officers were engaging the group to prevent disruption in the city.

“From all corners, I can say the city is calm. We have taken in a few people who tried to disrupt peace here near the Archives,” he said.

Mohamud added that most businesses remained operational despite fears of unrest.

“Uchumi iendelee, amani iendee, there is nothing to worry. So far, we have arrested 11, and we will take them to court tomorrow to be charged. 98 per cent of the businesses are up, mpende nchi yenu,” he stated.

Police headquarters indicated that the situation was largely stable across the country, with no major incidents reported.

Many motorists chose to avoid Nairobi’s central areas amid concerns over possible disruptions, while the planned demonstrations appeared loosely organised and largely mobilised online without clear leadership.

In other parts of the country, authorities dismissed reports of unrest. Michael Sang, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in the Eastern region, refuted claims that sections of Mombasa Road had been blocked.

“There is a normal flow of traffic from Mombasa to Mlolongo and beyond,” he said, adding that the region remained secure.

Morning rains in Nairobi also disrupted the turnout of protesters, dampening participation in demonstrations driven by public frustration over escalating fuel prices.

Despite this, dozens of police officers were deployed across key urban centres to respond swiftly to any attempts at mass action.