Local, Foreign Activists Arrested While Protesting Outside 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).
The KICC is hosting more than 30 Heads of State who are attending the France-led Africa Forward Summit.
Security officers repelled the group after they attempted to breach security perimeters leading to the venue.
They were protesting against France and President Emmanuel Macron, accusing them of imperialism and opposing their participation in the summit.
Anti–Africa Forward Summit protests erupted in Nairobi on Tuesday as activists attempted to march toward venues near Serena Hotel, Uhuru Highway and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) before police moved in and dispersed the crowds. pic.twitter.com/8nPo8F1laG
— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) May 12, 2026
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.
FRENCH OUT OF AFRICA PROTEST UNDERWAY IN NAIROBI
— Booker Ngesa Omole ☭ (@BookerBiro) May 12, 2026
DOWN WITH FRENCH IMPERIALISM!
AFRICA IS NOT FOR SALE!
Today, the patriotic and revolutionary forces of Kenya and Africa gather in Nairobi to expose and reject the so called Africa Forward Summit, pic.twitter.com/8VHOrupCg7
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.
[ NEW ] Kenyan police arrested at least 11 protesters outside the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday, as Emmanuel Macron and President William Ruto hosted more than thirty African heads of state inside.
— comra (@comrawire) May 12, 2026
Police fired teargas and shots into the air near Uhuru Highway to… pic.twitter.com/hEZIGa9oTj
Police responded with teargas and fired shots into the air to disperse the demonstrators, even as some remained defiant.
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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.
High-level sessions are underway 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.
Local, Foreign Activists Arrested While Protesting Outside KICC
