Police Arrest 11 in Nairobi as Security Blocks Protesters from Africa Forward Summit at KICC
News Updated: 12 May 2026 18:42 EAT
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Police in Nairobi have arrested 11 people after blocking a group of protesters attempting to access the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the Africa Forward Summit is currently taking place.
The incident unfolded along Uhuru Highway, where activists and human rights demonstrators were intercepted by anti-riot police as they tried to approach the heavily guarded summit venue.
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the protesters were stopped before reaching the perimeter of KICC, with officers moving in quickly to disperse the group amid heightened security arrangements in the city centre.
Some of the demonstrators were reportedly bundled into police vehicles during the operation, while others were pushed back as security forces sealed off major access roads leading to the conference centre.
Authorities intensified security around KICC following the confrontation, deploying additional officers and erecting barricades to prevent further attempts to breach the venue.
The protesters were part of a larger group opposing aspects of the summit, with some chanting slogans critical of foreign involvement in African affairs, particularly targeting France and its role in the high-level meeting.
The Africa Forward Summit, being held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, has attracted several African heads of state, international leaders, and global development partners, prompting tight security across Nairobi’s central business district.
The summit is co-hosted by Kenya and France and is focused on trade, investment, infrastructure, and climate cooperation across the continent.
Police say the operation was necessary to maintain order and ensure the safety of delegates attending the high-profile event, which has drawn over 30 heads of state and thousands of participants.
Officials also confirmed that those arrested were taken to various police stations in Nairobi for processing, with investigations into the incident ongoing.
Human rights observers at the scene said tensions rose quickly as officers moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to brief confrontations before calm was restored.
Traffic disruptions were reported in parts of the city centre as security forces enforced movement restrictions around key government and diplomatic zones.
The arrests come amid heightened sensitivity around public demonstrations during major international events hosted in Nairobi, with authorities maintaining a strong security presence throughout the summit period.
The situation at KICC remained calm later in the day as the Africa Forward Summit proceedings continued under tight security.
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FELIX MAKONA
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