Four killed, 348 arrested in nationwide protests over high fuel costs - May 2026

Nationwide protests over soaring fuel costs on Monday resulted in the deaths of four people and the arrest of 348 individuals, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Four people have been confirmed dead and over 30 others injured following protests that erupted in Kenya, with journalists also looted during the violence. Protests against fuel price hikes in Kitengela, Kajiado County, turned violent as unidentified individuals reportedly took control, leading to widespread destruction and looting. The Machakos and Kitui counties became a scene of cat-and-mouse games between police and protesters. Nairobi was engulfed in chaos following nationwide protests by matatu operators against soaring fuel prices, with several shops in Westlands forced to close. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched an investigation after a United Democratic Alliance politician's car was torched along Thika Road.