Drama at Nairobi Court as Fuel Protesters Disrupt Hearing

A court appearance for ten protesters in Nairobi was disrupted on Tuesday when chanting and demonstrations interrupted proceedings before Senior Principal Magistrate Rhoda Yator.

The group had been arrested during demonstrations against recent fuel price increases and were arraigned at Nairobi’s City Court. They face charges of obstructing Moi Avenue in the Central Business District on 21 April. 

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly gathered in a manner that blocked both pedestrian and vehicle movement, in breach of the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act, 2021. All ten defendants denied the charges.

Tensions rose as the accused were escorted from a police vehicle into the court compound. They began chanting slogans, attracting attention from members of the public. 

One of the accused, activist Julius Kamau, wore a scarf resembling the Kenyan flag and carried a placard reading “Save Kenya now.” Video footage later showed him continuing to chant inside the courtroom, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the session briefly. 

She said that the matter would proceed only once order was restored. After a short recess, the hearing resumed. The accused — Kamau, Joshua Okayo, Emmanuel Muchui, Michael Ngige, Alphones Opiyo, Brian Mwenda, Dickson Mworia, Emmanuel Yegon, Collins Otieno, and Elisha Ochieng — were each granted cash bail of Sh3,000. The case will be mentioned on 7 May.

The incident follows recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which have led to public dissatisfaction.