Murkomen: 4 Dead, Over 30 Injured, 348 Arrested as Violence and Looting Rock Fuel Price Protests in Kenya

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

• The government has reported casualties, injuries, and arrests following nationwide protests linked to rising fuel prices.
• Authorities say the demonstrations, initially peaceful, were disrupted by incidents of violence, vandalism, and disruption of economic activities.
• Security officials have warned against lawlessness while reiterating efforts to restore order and address underlying public concerns over fuel costs.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 18, 2026 — The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that at least four people have died, more than 30 others have been injured, and 348 suspects have been arrested following violent protests linked to demonstrations over rising fuel prices.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials addressing the media at Harambee House. (Photo: Courtesy)

“In fact, about 348 perpetrators have already been arrested. It is also unfortunate that we lost four Kenyans in today’s violence, which also left more than 30 people injured,” Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday evening at Harambee House in Nairobi, Murkomen said the demonstrations, which were initially intended to be peaceful protests over fuel price increases, were later disrupted by chaos, looting, destruction of property, and the disruption of transport services.

According to the Interior Ministry, several violent incidents were reported in different parts of the country. These included the burning of political party offices in Wote, Makueni County, the looting of businesses, and the torching of trucks at infrastructure project sites along the Rironi–Mau Summit corridor. Supermarkets and other private businesses were also vandalized in isolated incidents, which authorities described as coordinated acts of criminality carried out under the guise of protests.

Protests hijacked by criminal elements

The Cabinet Secretary said that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, parts of the protests were infiltrated by criminal groups who targeted property and disrupted transport networks.

Murkomen further alleged that certain political figures were behind the mobilisation of violence, warning that the government would pursue and hold accountable all those involved in organizing or participating in the unrest. He specifically accused the former deputy president of inciting supporters against individuals with differing political views, particularly those backing President William Ruto.

“To leaders who have been profiling Kenyans of different political opinions and calling them traitors, we will hold you personally responsible for the lives lost and the property destroyed as a result of your statements. You will be answerable now and in the future,” Murkomen said.

Government response to fuel crisis

While acknowledging public concern over rising fuel prices, the Interior Ministry said the increase has been driven by global economic pressures and ongoing geopolitical developments affecting international oil markets.

The ministry added that the National Treasury, together with the Ministries of Energy and Transport, is currently engaging stakeholders in talks aimed at identifying solutions to stabilize fuel prices and ease the burden on consumers.

Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that lawlessness would not be allowed to take root in any part of the country. He said the government would intensify its crackdown on organized crime and pursue all individuals linked to the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.

“We wish to reassure the country that the government will do everything in its power to protect lives and property and that at no time will lawlessness be allowed to take root in any part of our country. We will intensify our fight against organized crime and its sponsors, who are hell-bent on propagating anarchy,” he said.

All eyes are now on the outcome of ongoing talks between the government—led by the National Treasury and the Ministries of Energy and Transport—and transport stakeholders aimed at finding lasting solutions to rising fuel prices.