Fuel strike: DCI warns protesters as over 700 are arrested nationwide
By Mustafa Juma, May 19, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stern warning to members of the public participating in ongoing demonstrations linked to the nationwide fuel strike, cautioning against the escalation of protests into criminal activity.
In a statement issued via X on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the DCI emphasised that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and expression, any acts of violence, destruction of property, or interference with public order will be met with firm legal action.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly cautions members of the public against turning legitimate demonstrations into criminal activities,” the DCI stated.
Mass arrests across the country
The agency confirmed that a total of more than 700 persons of interest were arrested across different regions during and after the latest wave of demonstrations.
According to the DCI, a total of 189 people were arrested in Nairobi during the Monday, May 18, 2026, protests, 259 in Rift Valley, 103 in Eastern, 142 in Central, seven in the coastal region, and 10 in Western.
The anti-crime agency says many of the arrested individuals have already been arraigned in court on various charges related to the protests.
Warning over criminal conduct
The DCI cautioned that acts such as looting, arson, road blockades, attacks on police officers or motorists, and destruction of property will be treated as serious criminal offences.
The agency further warned that individuals found to be organising, financing, or inciting violence during demonstrations will face prosecution.
“While every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, destruction of property, attacks on police or motorists, and any acts that endanger lives are serious criminal offences,” the statement reads in part.
“No one is above the law. Individuals organising, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal acts will face the full force of the law.”
Protests amid fuel crisis
The arrests come as nationwide protests continue over rising fuel prices, which have triggered disruptions across the transport sector, including strikes by matatu operators and other transport stakeholders.
The demonstrations have led to sporadic unrest in some areas, prompting heightened police presence and ongoing security operations.
The Kenya Red Cross has reported that the country remains largely calm despite ongoing disruptions caused by the nationwide public transport strike, which has entered its second day following protests over high fuel prices.
In its latest situational update shared via X on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the humanitarian agency noted that while major roads leading into key urban centres remain operational, mobility challenges continue to affect commuters, learners, and transport-dependent services.
According to the update, there have been no major security incidents or widespread traffic snarl-ups reported across major highways.
However, public transport services remain limited along several routes, with reduced availability of matatus and other public service vehicles. As a result, many commuters have been forced to walk long distances to their destinations.