Two Kenyan nationals who had been detained in Uganda have been released and safely returned to the country following diplomatic efforts by both governments.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei on Saturday confirmed that the two men, identified as Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were handed over to Kenya late last night after a series of high-level negotiations between officials in Nairobi and Kampala.
In a statement, Sing’Oei said the pair were released to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, and escorted by Ugandan officials to the Busia border, where they were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.
“Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, H.E. @MaangiJoash. They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Uganda government to Busia border town and were received by Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga,” he stated.
The pair was handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border late last night, marking the end of a high-profile case that sparked diplomatic tensions and widespread calls for their release from civil society groups across East Africa.
The activists, associated with the Free Kenya Movement, had been missing since October 1, when they were reportedly seized in Kampala while attending a political rally for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Their disappearance drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations, who described it as an enforced disappearance and demanded accountability from Ugandan authorities.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Amnesty International Kenya, and Voices of Community Activists and Leaders Africa (VOCAL Africa) issued a joint statement welcoming the release, noting it came after 38 days of incommunicado detention.
“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,” said LSK President Faith Odhiambo in the statement.
The case highlighted ongoing concerns over cross-border abductions and human rights violations in the region. Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei had previously expressed frustration with Uganda’s handling of the matter, with Nairobi pressing Kampala for answers amid reports that the activists were held without charges or access to legal counsel.
Sing’Oei expressed gratitude to all the agencies and individuals who played a part in securing the release of the two Kenyans, noting that the ministry would share a more detailed report on the matter later.
“Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later,” he said.
