Police in Nairobi arrested two activists on Tuesday after they staged a demonstration against high fuel prices in the Central Business District.
The protesters had gathered along Kimathi Street, near the Kenya National Archives area, chanting against the latest increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Officers in uniform and plain clothes moved in quickly and dispersed the small crowd, bundling them into a police vehicle.
A Citizen TV journalist covering the protest, Francis Odee, was also arrested in the operation. He was later released from Central Police Station. In total, four people were detained during the incident.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the demonstration was illegal because organizers had not formally notified his office as required by law.
He said officers acted to prevent disruption of business and traffic in the city.
“We must be peaceful all the time. Any attempt to block roads or disrupt business will attract the full force of the law,” Mohamud said.
Security was tightened across the CBD with anti-riot units deployed.
The arrests come as Kenyans feel pressure from rising pump prices affecting transport and living costs.
