KENYAN ARMY AND POLICE VIOLENTLY ATTACK COMMUNISTS AND ANTI-IMPERIALIST ACTIVISTS
In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on May 12, 2026, Kenyan communists and members of an international delegation of the World Anti-Imperialist Platform were detained by the Kenyan army and police during a protest march against the “Africa–France Summit.”
The World Anti-Imperialist Platform and the Communist Marxist Party of Kenya were co-organizers of the 10th International Anti-Imperialist Conference and the International Anti-Imperialist Colloquium, held from May 9 to 10. From May 11, the delegation also participated in a counter-summit to the “Africa–France Summit,” organized by PASA.
The protest march and demonstrations held on May 12 proceeded peacefully, with slogans opposing the summit and the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Kenyan military and police forces used tear gas and forcibly detained members of the international delegation. Police also confiscated journalists’ cameras and deleted photographs taken at the scene.
The NKPJ strongly condemns the arrests, intimidation, and repression carried out by the Kenyan state against domestic and international comrades who participated in demonstrations against French imperialism and the counter-summit held in Nairobi regarding the so-called “Africa–France Summit.”
These arrests reveal the true nature of William Ruto’s regime as a neocolonial and comprador administration acting in the interests of imperialist powers and against the democratic rights of the people. Instead of protecting the right to political organization and protest, the regime criminalizes anti-imperialist solidarity, while at the same time welcoming foreign exploiters and representatives of monopoly capital with a red carpet.
Among those arrested are prominent anti-imperialist and revolutionary activists, intellectuals, and organizers from different parts of the world, who came to express solidarity with the fighting popular masses of Africa in their struggle against imperialism, militarization, and neocolonial domination.
Arrested on May 11:
Beres Omondi – Kenya
Tracy Auma – Kenya
Patience Nyambura – Kenya
Jobunga Samuel – Kenya
Kenneth Obiero – Kenya
Arrested on May 12:
Dimitrios Patelis
Lee and Danbi – South Korea
Joti Brar
Gacheke Gachihi
Guy Bremond
Sayialel Mankuyio
Juliaus Kamau
John Kamau
Brian Mwanzi
Derivk Opiyo
Fredrik Yara
Colins Otieno
Their only “crime” is standing with oppressed peoples. Their only “crime” is rejecting imperialist domination. Their only “crime” is the message that Africa is not for sale.
The arrest of international delegates further demonstrates the growing panic within imperialist and comprador circles. They fear the unity of revolutionary and progressive forces across the African continent. They fear international solidarity against imperialism. They fear a politically conscious and organized people.
We remind the regime of William Ruto that repression has never defeated the struggle of the people. Colonial camps did not destroy liberation movements, nor will fascist laws and police terror silence the masses today.
The NKPJ emphasizes that African independence has no real meaning unless it is linked to the complete liberation of the continent from imperialism and neocolonialism.
The NKPJ expresses full solidarity with all arrested comrades and demands:
The immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.
An end to police harassment, repression, and persecution of activists, organizers, and progressive movements.
The immediate termination of all imperialist military, political, and economic agreements imposed on Kenya and the African continent.
Respect for the democratic rights of all participants in anti-imperialist and Pan-African gatherings.
NKPJ Secretariat
May 12, 2026
Belgrade
