Kenya could witness demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday, October 26, 2026, as activists prepare to protest rising fuel prices and concerns over proposed changes to election laws.
The first protest is focused on the rising cost of living, with organisers planning a march from Kimathi Street to State House. The second centres on electoral transparency following Parliament's consideration of the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024.
The two protest calls come amid heightened public debate over fuel prices, the cost of living and the legal framework governing the transmission and announcement of presidential election results.
The extent of participation in either demonstration remains uncertain.
The Coalition of Human Rights Defenders has reportedly notified police of its intention to hold a peaceful demonstration against rising fuel prices. According to the organisers' notification dated October 22, the protest is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Kimathi Street, with State House identified as the intended destination.
The organisers estimate that between 500 and 900 people could participate.
The demonstration follows the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which have intensified concerns about the cost of transport, food and other essential goods.
Under the reported October–November pricing cycle, petrol rose by KSh 12.93 to KSh 226.96 per litre, while diesel increased by KSh 9.90 to KSh 227.76. Kerosene recorded the largest increase, rising by KSh 28.49 to KSh 219.87 per litre.
The increases have raised concerns among motorists, public transport operators and households that rely on petroleum products directly or indirectly.
Fuel prices are closely linked to the cost of transporting passengers and goods. Consequently, increases can place additional pressure on commuters and businesses already dealing with high operating costs.
Monday's planned demonstration also follows an incident on October 20 involving Citizen TV journalist Ode Francis, who was reportedly arrested by plainclothes officers near the Kenyatta Avenue junction during a protest in Nairobi's central business district.
The incident prompted concerns over the treatment of journalists covering demonstrations. Police investigations into the incident have reportedly been initiated.
Meanwhile, the Matatu Owners Association has indicated that public transport operators will continue operating on Monday rather than stage a strike. However, passengers may still face higher fares following reported increases of approximately 10 per cent.
Motorists and commuters travelling through Nairobi's central business district should monitor traffic updates, particularly around Kimathi Street, Kenyatta Avenue and roads leading towards State House.
The second protest call concerns changes to the Elections Act and the requirements governing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's handling of presidential election results.
The debate intensified after Parliament considered the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, on October 22. Initial reports suggested that one of the proposed provisions would remove the IEBC's legal obligation to establish a mechanism for livestreaming presidential election results from polling stations.
The interpretation triggered concern among activists and groups advocating for greater transparency in the electoral process.
However, a subsequent clarification attributed to Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono stated that the amendment retained the livestreaming requirement. According to the clarification, the National Assembly deleted Clause 22, which would have replaced Section 39 of the Elections Act.
The Bill is reportedly set to return to the Senate for further consideration.
Despite the clarification, concerns remain over the legal status and practical significance of livestreamed election results, including provisions governing their use in the declaration of presidential election outcomes.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has also reportedly warned that he would challenge the proposed legislation in court if it proceeded to presidential assent. Separately, lawyer John Muremi Njomo has reportedly filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts seeking to prevent the Bill from proceeding to President William Ruto.
The legal arguments and parliamentary process will be central to determining what provisions ultimately become law.
For Nairobi residents, the two protest calls could complicate movement around the central business district on Monday, particularly if the demonstrations attract substantial crowds.
Police deployments and temporary traffic diversions are possible along the proposed protest route. However, specific road closures and the scale of any disruption should be confirmed through official traffic advisories rather than assumed in advance.
Commuters travelling from Ruiru towards Nairobi should allow additional time for their journeys and check traffic updates before leaving home. Anyone heading into the CBD should also follow police instructions and avoid areas where demonstrations become congested or confrontational.
With fuel prices and election transparency dominating the two protest calls, Monday's developments could provide a further indication of how Kenyans are responding to economic pressure and proposed changes to electoral law.
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