Kenyan activists freed after 39 days in Uganda detention

Kenyan human rights activists Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo were released from Ugandan detention after 39 days, following international pressure and diplomatic intervention. They were abducted while attending a political rally in support of opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo, two prominent Kenyan human rights activists, were released on Saturday (November 8) after spending 39 days in detention in Uganda, following their abduction during a political rally in support of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Njagi and Oyoo, both affiliated with the Free Kenya Movement, were seized on October 1 while attending a campaign event in Kampala. For weeks, their whereabouts remained unknown until it was revealed they were being held at Kasenyi Military Barracks, allegedly under orders from Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Their abduction sparked outrage across East Africa, with civil society groups such as Amnesty International and VOCAL Africa calling for their immediate release. The Kenyan government also intervened diplomatically, which led to their eventual release.

Upon their return to Kenya, the two activists were met by family, friends, and supporters, who gathered to sing the Kenyan National Anthem in celebration. Bob Njagi expressed his gratitude:

"38 days of abduction was not easy. We didn’t think we were going to come out alive... We have not been eating for about 14 days... but thank you so much for your solidarity."

In a show of solidarity, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, said the activists' release was the result of high-level negotiations between the two governments, facilitated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Haki Africa Executive Director, Hussein Khalid, reflected on the significance of their release, stating:

"What happened to Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo could happen to any of us. If we remain silent, these oppressive regimes will come for each and every one of us."

The activists were abducted amid growing concerns over the safety of opposition voices in Uganda, and their release marked a victory for human rights defenders across the region.

The Kenyan government has since expressed relief and satisfaction with their release, acknowledging the critical role that international solidarity and diplomacy played in ensuring their safety.

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