Activists, Including Foreigners, Arrested at KICC During Africa Forward Summit

Several activists and foreign nationals were arrested in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday after attempting to access the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), where the Africa Forward Summit is taking place.

The group was protesting against France and French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing France of interfering in African affairs. More than 30 African Heads of State are attending the summit in Nairobi.

Police officers blocked the protesters from reaching the venue as they marched towards KICC carrying placards and chanting anti-imperialism slogans.

Some of the banners carried messages such as “Resist French Colonialism” and “Stop Foreign Interference in Africa.”

The protest caused temporary traffic disruption along Uhuru Highway as anti-riot police tried to control the situation.

According to Communist Party of Kenya Secretary-General Booker Ngesa Omole, some of those arrested were foreigners from countries including Britain, France, South Korea, and Greece. He also claimed that at least seven Kenyans, among them activist Julius Kamau, were arrested during the operation.

Police later used teargas and fired warning shots in the air to disperse the demonstrators after some protesters reportedly refused to leave the area.

Despite the police action, some activists regrouped and continued with the demonstrations before more police vehicles arrived at the scene.

Witnesses said several protesters were forced into police Land Cruiser vehicles and driven away, while others escaped arrest by running into nearby streets.

The incident happened as the Africa Forward Summit entered its second day at the KICC. Leaders and delegates are discussing issues affecting Africa, including peace and security, artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, financing reforms, and the blue economy.

French President Emmanuel Macron, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are among the leaders expected to address delegates during the summit.