The demonstrations were organized under the banner of “Pan-Africanism Against Imperialism,” a two-day counter-summit intended to challenge the official narrative of the Africa-France partnership.
The Target: Protesters marched toward the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), carrying banners such as “Down with Imperialism” and “Africa is Not for Sale.” The Flashpoint: Clashes erupted near the Dedan Kimathi statue along Uhuru Highway.
Police deployed tear gas to disperse dozens of activists who attempted to breach the security cordon protecting the 30+ heads of state gathered inside.
The Arrests:13 individuals were detained today, including 8 Kenyan activists and 5 international delegates from nations including Greece, South Korea, and France. 5 members of the Revolutionary Student Commission (the student wing of the Communist Party Marxist – Kenya) remain in custody after being arrested during the initial wave of protests yesterday.
The Core Grievances
The “Counter-Summit” organizers, led by figures like Booker Omole of the CPM-K, argued that the official event was a “war council of imperialism” rather than a partnership of equals.
Official Response
While the Kenyan government has not issued a formal statement on today’s arrests, President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron used their joint press conference to emphasize a “new era of equality.”
Macron dismissed the “anti-imperialist” rhetoric, stating that the partnership is focused on climate finance and digital sovereignty, rather than the “Françafrique” models of the past.
