Police Arrest 11 as Protesters Blocked from Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi
Police in Nairobi arrested at least 11 people on Tuesday after blocking protesters from accessing the Africa Forward Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), according to multiple local media reports.
Security forces dispersed two separate groups attempting to demonstrate near the venue, intercepting one near Serena Hotel and another along Uhuru Highway as they tried to approach the summit grounds.
Witnesses said some protesters, including human rights activists and foreign nationals, were forced into police vehicles during the operation as officers tightened control around the city centre.
Authorities had sealed off key access routes to the KICC and significantly increased police presence, preventing demonstrators from reaching the high-level gathering, which has drawn more than 30 African heads of state and thousands of delegates.
The protesters were reportedly expressing concerns over foreign influence in Africa and the role of international partners at the summit, with some carrying placards and chanting anti-imperialism slogans.
Police have yet to release a detailed official statement on the arrests, but the incident highlights growing tensions between security enforcement and the right to protest during major international events in Kenya.
The Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France, is focused on financing reforms, security, innovation, and economic partnerships across the continent.
