Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday, May 19, 2026 (EAT) — Central Police Station OCS Dishen Angoya has been arrested over allegations that he unlawfully released 64 suspects arrested during Monday’s anti-fuel protests in Nairobi.
Police confirmed that Angoya is currently in custody and awaiting arraignment as investigations intensify into the circumstances surrounding the alleged release.
According to a police statement, the officer allegedly freed the suspects without lawful authority after they had been detained over public order offences linked to the violent demonstrations.
“Kindly be informed that today at 1200hrs, Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya, the OCS Central Police Station, Nairobi Region, was arrested by the Deputy Regional Police Commander for the offence of abuse of office after allegedly releasing 64 prisoners arrested for offences relating to public order without lawful authority,” part of the statement read.
Authorities further disclosed that Angoya complained of high blood pressure at the time of his arrest. Police later placed him in custody pending further action.
Investigations Intensify After Chaotic Nairobi Protests
The suspects formed part of hundreds arrested during Monday’s anti-fuel protests that paralysed transport and business activities across Nairobi and other towns.
As earlier reported by Sauce.co.ke in its coverage of the nationwide matatu strike and anti-fuel protests, demonstrators clashed with police in several areas, leading to widespread disruption and destruction of property.
Security agencies are now treating the alleged release of suspects as a serious procedural breach.
DCI Probes Thika Road Vehicle Torching
At the same time, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched separate investigations into the torching of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician’s Mazda CX-5 along Thika Road during the protests.
In a statement, the DCI said detectives had collected viral videos circulating online to help identify individuals linked to the attack.
The vehicle burst into flames during running battles between protesters and police along Thika Road. The chaos forced motorists to abandon vehicles and left thousands stranded for hours on one of Kenya’s busiest highways.
Fuel Crisis Triggered Nationwide Shutdown
Monday’s demonstrations also triggered a near-total shutdown of public transport after matatu operators, boda boda riders, and digital taxi drivers withdrew services in protest against rising fuel prices.
The crisis piled pressure on the government and forced the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to hold a six-hour consultative meeting with transport stakeholders before announcing revised fuel prices.
Under the latest fuel review:
- Diesel prices dropped by Ksh10.06 per litre
- Kerosene prices increased by Ksh38.60 per litre
- Super petrol prices remained unchanged
The new prices will remain in force from May 19 to June 14, 2026.
Following the adjustment:
- Diesel in Nairobi will retail at Ksh232.86 per litre
- Kerosene will retail at Ksh191.38 per litre
- Super petrol remains at Ksh214.25 per litre
Earlier, Sauce.co.ke reported that matatu operators rejected parts of the government’s fuel proposals despite lengthy negotiations with Transport CS Davis Chirchir and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.
Murkomen Confirms Deaths and Arrests
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that four people died and at least 30 others sustained injuries during the protests in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kajiado, and Kakamega counties.
Murkomen further revealed that police arrested 348 suspects in connection with the unrest.
“The government will firmly deal with individuals behind organised criminal activity disguised as demonstrations,” Murkomen warned.
Background
The anti-fuel protests erupted after sharp increases in transport and operating costs triggered nationwide anger among commuters and transport operators. The demonstrations quickly escalated into confrontations between protesters and police, causing major disruption in several towns.
Political leaders and human rights groups have since raised concerns over police conduct, arrests, and the growing tension surrounding the fuel crisis.
