Activists Stage Mashujaa Day Protests In Nairobi CBD Over Soaring Fuel Prices

A group of civil rights activists staged protests across the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, demanding government intervention following a sharp hike in fuel prices.

Coinciding with Mashujaa Day celebrations, the protesters blew vuvuzelas, carried empty jerry cans, and wore printed T-shirts bearing slogans such as “Reject High Fuel Prices” to highlight the growing economic burden on ordinary citizens.

Demonstrators argued that the public holiday was an appropriate moment to speak out against rising living costs, invoking the legacy of historic figures who fought against social hardship.

“We are not here to celebrate; we are here to cry to this government—at least hear our cries,” one activist stated. “Those heroes they are celebrating… can’t be silent when the regime is oppressing the citizens.”

EPRA Price Hikes Spark Outrage

The street demonstrations follow the latest monthly pricing review announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on October 14, 2026, which implemented steep increases across all major petroleum products for the October–November cycle.

Under the revised rates:

• Super Petrol: Increased by Ksh 12.93, rising from Ksh 214.03 to Ksh 226.96 per litre.

• Diesel: Increased by Ksh 9.90, rising from Ksh 217.86 to Ksh 227.76 per litre.

• Kerosene: Recorded the largest jump of Ksh 28.49, moving from Ksh 191.38 to Ksh 219.87 per litre.

Demands for Resignation and Relief

Marching through the city center, the activists expressed frustration with current economic policies and called on public officials to step down if they cannot stabilize the economy.

“Tumekuja hapa kuwaambia viongozi, kama wameshindwa kushukisha bei ya mafuta, basi waresign watoke kwa hizo viti,” another protester declared. “Kwa sababu saa hii kila mwananchi analia, wananchi wanahangaika… hatutawapigia magoti tena.”

The group vowed to continue advocating for policy changes, maintaining that the recent price hikes have escalated transportation and household expenses nationwide.