Police in Nairobi blocked separate groups of protesters on Tuesday from accessing venues hosting the ongoing Africa Forward Summit, with anti-riot officers dispersing crowds and arresting several demonstrators along key city routes.
The first group of activists was stopped near the area around Serena Hotel Nairobi after attempting to move toward the city centre. Officers intercepted them and pushed them back toward the YMCA hostels Nairobi area, dispersing the crowd before they could advance further.
A second group of human rights activists was later blocked along Uhuru Highway as they attempted to approach the main venue at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where summit sessions were underway.
Witnesses said some protesters were bundled into police vehicles during the operation, with claims that both local and foreign activists were among those detained.
Authorities confirmed arrests, though figures varied. Police said at least five people were taken into custody, while witnesses and activist groups put the number at 11 arrested.
Security was subsequently tightened around KICC, with access roads cordoned off and officers deployed across surrounding streets to prevent further disruptions.
The Central Organising Committee of the Communist Party Marxist Kenya strongly condemned the police action, accusing authorities of intimidation and repression against activists and solidarity groups.
In a statement, the organisers said those arrested included “anti-imperialist and revolutionary activists, intellectuals and organisers” who were expressing opposition to what they described as imperialism, militarisation, and neo-colonial influence.
They demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of all detainees and an end to what they termed harassment and abductions targeting progressive movements.
The Africa Forward Summit, officially titled the Africa Forward Summit, continued its second day under heightened security.
Tuesday’s programme included high-level discussions on financing reforms, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, health, agriculture, and global peace and security.
A key plenary session on reforming the international financial architecture was scheduled to feature French President Emmanuel Macron, World Bank Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Another session on peace and security was set to include opening remarks from President William Ruto and President Macron, followed by participation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Police indicated that a formal statement detailing the arrests and security operations would be issued later as investigations continue.
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