Several protestors arrested after activists clash with police at Uhuru Park

Several activists including Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid were arrested on Sunday outside Uhuru Park while attempting to hold an event honouring victims of anti-government protests.

The Eastleigh Voice witnessed Khalid being forcibly dragged by police officers and later bundled into a police vehicle.

In a media address before his arrest, Khalid confirmed that attendees had been restricted from entering the park, where they intended to commemorate individuals who lost their lives during the protests.

VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid was arrested outside Uhuru Park after activists were barred from holding an event to honour victims of anti-government protests. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

He condemned the restrictions on public gatherings, questioning why people were being denied access to the park simply to celebrate heroes.

He expressed frustration over the police actions, emphasising the need for change in the country.

“Today we have been barred from entering or converging in the park, and we have been teargassed. This is exactly why we need to change this country. This is the reason why we are out here because of such things. Why should they bar people from just coming to hang around? What is wrong? Is there any problem with just meeting to celebrate shujaaz? This is unacceptable, and we are going to mobilise and get as many people as we can so that we can access the park,” he said.

Before his arrest, VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, condemned the decision to bar Kenyans from accessing Uhuru Park to commemorate those who were killed during the anti-govt protests

Khalid: "Why is it wrong to meet and celebrate Shujaaz? This is unacceptable! We are going to… pic.twitter.com/i9wZKVDdMA

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 20, 2024

Another individual, visibly distressed, shouted, “What have I done that you are arresting me? Leave me alone!” as police officers pulled him away from the area.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had previously announced that the park was open to the public. He however reiterated that while Uhuru Park is open daily to all Kenyans, it cannot be reserved for private events on public holidays like Mashujaa Day.

One of the protestors arrested outside Uhuru Park, Nairobi on October 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

He clarified that although event bookings are normally allowed, no public park can be exclusively used on such a day since other Kenyans may also want to enjoy the space.

A spot check by The Eastleigh Voice earlier revealed a heavy contingent of police officers and water cannons were deployed in strategic areas across Uhuru Park ahead of the event.