Release of Kenyan Activists from Ugandan Detention
On November 6, Kenyan activists Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi were released from detention in Uganda after being held incommunicado. Their release followed a direct intervention by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, marking a significant development in their case.
Digital strategist and political commentator Pauline Njoroge shared her insights on the challenges faced by the Kenyan government in securing the release of citizens detained abroad. She noted that earlier efforts, including sending a protest letter, did not yield results.
“Just as in several recent instances where the Kenyan government has faced difficulties in securing the release of citizens detained abroad, the situation was no different for Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Mjagi, who had been held incommunicado in Uganda,” she said.
Njoroge emphasized that the breakthrough occurred after former President Kenyatta personally placed a call to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. “It was this intervention that finally broke the deadlock, leading to the duo’s release and subsequent handover to Kenyan authorities,” she explained.
Houghton Irungu, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, also commended former President Kenyatta for his role in securing the release. He highlighted that the outcome was driven by sustained pressure from ordinary citizens, human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society.
The two human rights activists have now been handed over to Kenyan authorities. Oyoo and Njagi were freed in Busia on Thursday night after 38 days of enforced disappearance.
A Significant Moment for Human Rights Defenders
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, described the release as an important moment for human rights defenders in the region. She stated:
“We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance,” the statement read.
Odhiambo thanked those who campaigned for their release, including the activists’ families, the Free Kenya Movement, human rights defenders, journalists, and the ministries of foreign affairs in both Kenya and Tanzania.
“We extend our appreciation to their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, the ministries of foreign affairs in Kenya and Tanzania, and all active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” she said.
She noted that the release should mark a turning point in how East Africans’ rights are protected across the region.
Government Praises Joint Diplomatic Efforts
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, also welcomed the safe release of two Kenyan nationals who had been missing in Uganda. He praised the joint diplomatic efforts that facilitated their return.
“The Government of Kenya welcomes the safe release of our two citizens, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been abducted by armed men around the Kireka area in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025,” he said in a statement.
Key Individuals and Organizations Involved
- Pauline Njoroge: Digital strategist and political commentator.
- Houghton Irungu: Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
- Faith Odhiambo: President of the Law Society of Kenya.
- Musalia Mudavadi: Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.