Activists, and foreign nations arrested at KICC
Activists, and foreign nations arrested at KICC
Several protesters, activists, and foreign nationals were arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District after attempting to force their way into the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), where more than 30 Heads of State are attending the Africa Forward Summit.
Security officers repelled the group after they attempted to breach security perimeters leading to the venue, where they were protesting against France and President Emmanuel Macron, accusing them of imperialism and opposing their participation in the summit.
The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans calling for an end to what they described as foreign interference in Africa.
“Nairobi Erupts, resist French colonialism” and “Stop the imperialists’ drive to war,” some of the banners carried by the protesters read in part.
Some of the foreigners arrested include nationals from Britain, France, South Korea, and Greece, according to Booker Ngesa Omole, Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Kenya, who was among the protesters.
According to Omole, police also arrested seven other Kenyans, including activist Julius Kamau.
The protests temporarily disrupted traffic along Uhuru Highway as a Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of women police officers initially attempted to block the demonstrators, who insisted their protest was peaceful.
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Police responded with teargas and fired shots into the air to disperse the demonstrators, even as some remained defiant.
While others sought cover, a section of the protesters later regrouped after the initial dispersal.
Moments later, police Land Cruiser vehicles arrived, and several protesters were forcibly bundled into the cars and driven away, while others fled the scene to escape arrest.
The developments come as the Africa Forward Summit entered its second day on Tuesday, with high-level sessions at the KICC focusing on financing reforms, peace and security, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, health, and agriculture.
Key leaders are expected to address an afternoon plenary session, including President Macron himself, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among other senior delegates.
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