Seven activists arrested during demonstrations against rising fuel prices in Nairobi have been released on KSh 1,000 cash bail each after denying charges of obstructing the free flow of traffic.
The activists appeared in court following protests held on Monday, October 26, in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), where demonstrators called on the government to reduce fuel prices and address the growing cost of living.
According to Citizen Digital, the seven were charged under Section 58(c) of the Kenya Roads Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya, over alleged obstruction of traffic along City Hall Way and Kimathi Street.
The prosecution alleged that four of the accused Nyanjom Otieno Collins, Shem Mboyi, Willie Maina and Collins Otieno Ochieng jointly obstructed motor vehicle movement along City Hall Way at around noon on October 26.
In a separate charge, Elisha Ochieng Alam, Fredrick Odhiambo and Julius Kamau Kimani were accused of obstructing traffic along Kimathi Street on the same day.
Prosecutors alleged that the accused assembled on sections of the roads alongside other individuals who have not been brought before the court, disrupting the movement of vehicles.
All seven pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on KSh 1,000 cash bail each. The allegations remain before the court and do not amount to convictions.
Activists protest rising fuel costs
The demonstrations were organised by the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders to protest rising petroleum prices and their impact on household budgets and businesses.
Carrying placards and chanting anti-government slogans, the protesters marched through Nairobi’s CBD, demanding an immediate reduction in fuel prices.
The activists argued that higher petroleum costs increase transport expenses and production costs, ultimately pushing up the prices of essential commodities and placing additional pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.
The protests followed the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on October 14.
Under the revised prices, Nairobi motorists are paying a maximum of KSh 226.96 per litre for super petrol, KSh 227.76 for diesel and KSh 219.87 for kerosene. The prices took effect on October 15 and are scheduled to remain in force until November 14, 2026.
EPRA attributed the increases to higher international petroleum costs.
Pressure mounts over cost of living
The latest demonstrations reflect growing public concern about the wider economic effects of expensive fuel, particularly on public transport, agriculture, manufacturing and the distribution of goods.
Fuel costs often feed into transport fares and business operating expenses, potentially affecting the prices consumers pay for everyday necessities.
The activists’ demands add to calls for greater transparency in fuel pricing and measures to cushion households and businesses against rising expenses.
Their release on bail allows them to remain out of custody as the legal proceedings continue. The court case will determine the allegations against the seven individuals.
