The “Pan-Africanism Summit Against Imperialism”—organized as a direct challenge to the official Africa-France gathering—concluded with its final march toward the city center.
The Breach Attempt: Dozens of activists, including trade unionists and students, gathered along Uhuru Highway carrying red flags and placards reading “Stop the Imperialist Drive to War.” Police Intervention: As the procession approached the Serena Hotel and attempted to turn toward the KICC, anti-riot police deployed heavy rounds of tear gas. Witnesses reported “brutal repression” as officers chased demonstrators through the city streets.
International Arrests: Among the 13 people detained today were international delegates from Greece, South Korea, Britain, and France, who had traveled to Nairobi to stand in solidarity with the Kenyan left. The “Student Five” Still in CustodyA major focal point for activists at the Central Police Station tonight is the fate of five students arrested during the summit’s opening on Monday.
Who are they? The detainees are members of the Revolutionary Student Commission (RSC), the student wing of the Communist Party Marxist – Kenya (CPM-K).The Charge: While formal charges are being finalized, the CPM-K’s Central Organizing Committee has condemned the “abductions,” stating the students were targeted simply for “rejecting imperialist domination.”
Official Condemnation: “Africa is Not for Sale”In a scathing statement released late Tuesday, the CPM-K accused the Ruto administration of acting as a “comprador regime” for French interests. The Narrative Clash: While President Ruto spoke of a partnership of equals, the CPM-K argued the summit was a strategy for France to “reposition” its military and economic influence in East Africa following its recent expulsions from West Africa (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso).Demands for Release: The party has issued a formal demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all 18 activists (the 5 arrested Monday and the 13 arrested today).Security Overdrive at the KICCFollowing the skirmishes, the security cordon around the KICC was further tightened.
Access roads including City Hall Way and sections of Parliament Road remained completely closed to the public as delegates, including President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, departed for the airport.
