NAIROBI – Kenya’s capital is bracing for a wave of demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday, as civil society groups and opposition figures call for nationwide protests against a sharp rise in fuel prices and perceived governance failures.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a security alert on Monday, advising citizens to avoid large gatherings and monitor local media. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for “Total Shutdown” actions, fueled by the government’s recent decision to remove the final vestiges of energy subsidies, which has sent the cost of petrol and diesel to record highs.
President William Ruto’s administration has defended the measures as necessary to satisfy international creditors and stabilize the shilling, which has faced significant pressure over the last quarter.
However, the rising cost of living—locally dubbed Gharama ya Maisha—has become a flashpoint for public anger.
“We cannot breathe under these taxes,” said one organizer in a viral post. Police have signaled a heavy presence in the central business district to prevent the blocking of key highways, citing previous incidents where demonstrations devolved into clashes between security forces and protesters.
