Digital Activist Nabbed: Streamer Vindee Detained Amidst Nairobi Protests

Popular Kenyan streamer Vindee was arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday, June 25, during widespread demonstrations commemorating victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests. The arrest, captured live during a livestream, occurred amidst heightened security operations and a significant police presence across the city. Footage showed Vindee walking through the CBD with his team, including his main videographer and supporters, when a plain-clothed officer suddenly took him into custody, leaving his team visibly shocked and confused as the livestream continued to broadcast the unexpected event. Viewers reacted strongly, questioning the officer’s actions and demanding explanations for the detention of the popular content creator.

The arrest unfolded as demonstrations across Nairobi’s CBD gained momentum, with protesters moving through various streets, chanting slogans, and honoring those who lost their lives in the June 2024 demonstrations. Police officers were observed deploying tear gas to disperse sections of the crowd as tensions escalated, with the livestream capturing instances of officers firing canisters toward protesters in the city centre. These demonstrations were part of nationwide events marking the anniversary of the June 2024 anti-government protests, which are remembered as one of Kenya’s most significant youth-led movements in recent years.

The incident spurred calls for Vindee’s release, notably from YouTuber and car reviewer 2Mbili. In an Instagram message shared on the same day, 2Mbili expressed profound concern for Vindee’s welfare, especially noting that the streamer was dressed only in a Maasai shuka and sandals during the cold day. 2Mbili emphasized that Vindee should not spend the night at Central Police Station, using hashtags such as #FreeVindee and #FreeISawSpeed to rally support. This appeal came hours after Vindee’s detention, which quickly garnered significant online attention, with clips of the arrest circulating widely across social media platforms.

The impact of the intensified security and demonstrations extended to ordinary citizens, as highlighted by TikToker Mary Musyoka. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Mary shared a TikTok video expressing her concern about reaching Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for a flight. She reported being caught in heavy traffic on Kiambu Road due to a large deployment of police officers, deployed as early as 5 a.m. in anticipation of the protests. Musyoka explained that she had not expected such a scale of road blocks and security measures, despite being aware of planned protests. Seeking advice from her followers, she pondered alternative routes, with some suggesting the Northern Bypass and passing through Kamakis, to navigate the heavily secured areas and reach the airport in time.