The two activists, identified as Julius Kamau and Collins Otieno, were taken into custody by uniformed police officers shortly after arriving at the historic public park in the Central Business District.
Witnesses said the officers moved swiftly, placing the pair into a police vehicle and driving them away as onlookers gathered.
According to several people at the scene, the arrests happened moments before families who lost loved ones during the 2024 and 2025 protests began assembling.
According to several people at the scene, the arrests happened moments before families who lost loved ones during the 2024 and 2025 protests began assembling.
The families had planned to walk through the city to present their demands to the government, mainly seeking justice and compensation for relatives killed during the demonstrations.
Police did not immediately explain why the two activists were arrested, and no formal charges were announced at the time. The silence from authorities only added to the tension already building in the city center.
Shortly after his arrest, Kamau posted on social media, saying he had been detained alongside Otieno while attempting to stand with mothers and relatives of victims of police violence. He confirmed that both were being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The arrests caused unease at Jeevanjee Gardens, with a heavy police presence quickly surrounding the area. Officers were seen patrolling nearby streets, while others blocked sections of the CBD as a precautionary measure.
Despite the tension, a small group of protesters managed to walk along parts of Kenyatta Avenue carrying Kenyan flags. The group remained peaceful, chanting softly and avoiding direct confrontation with security officers.
Human rights activists and civil society groups were quick to condemn the arrests. Many described the move as unnecessary and accused the government of trying to intimidate those supporting grieving families.
One prominent activist, Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, criticized the police action, saying arresting people for showing solidarity with bereaved families sends the wrong message.
Police did not immediately explain why the two activists were arrested, and no formal charges were announced at the time. The silence from authorities only added to the tension already building in the city center.
Shortly after his arrest, Kamau posted on social media, saying he had been detained alongside Otieno while attempting to stand with mothers and relatives of victims of police violence. He confirmed that both were being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The arrests caused unease at Jeevanjee Gardens, with a heavy police presence quickly surrounding the area. Officers were seen patrolling nearby streets, while others blocked sections of the CBD as a precautionary measure.
Despite the tension, a small group of protesters managed to walk along parts of Kenyatta Avenue carrying Kenyan flags. The group remained peaceful, chanting softly and avoiding direct confrontation with security officers.
Human rights activists and civil society groups were quick to condemn the arrests. Many described the move as unnecessary and accused the government of trying to intimidate those supporting grieving families.
One prominent activist, Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, criticized the police action, saying arresting people for showing solidarity with bereaved families sends the wrong message.
He called on the National Police Service to release the two activists without delay, arguing that peaceful assembly is a constitutional right.
“The police should protect citizens, not silence them,” Khalid wrote online, adding that justice for victims of police brutality should not be treated as a threat to public order.
The arrests came just a day after families of young people killed during last year’s protests formally notified police of their intention to march.
“The police should protect citizens, not silence them,” Khalid wrote online, adding that justice for victims of police brutality should not be treated as a threat to public order.
The arrests came just a day after families of young people killed during last year’s protests formally notified police of their intention to march.
In their notice, the families stated that the procession would begin at Jeevanjee Gardens at 9 a.m. before proceeding toward State House.
The families say they are frustrated by delays in justice, despite a presidential announcement made in August 2025 that promised compensation and support for victims of police violence.
The families say they are frustrated by delays in justice, despite a presidential announcement made in August 2025 that promised compensation and support for victims of police violence.
While the government outlined a framework for reparations, many families claim they have yet to receive any assistance or clear communication.
