BUSIA, Kenya — Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, have been released after spending more than 30 days in Ugandan custody, following their alleged abduction on October 1 after attending an opposition rally by Ugandan politician Bobi Wine.
The pair were handed over on Friday to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Dr. Joash Maangi, who escorted them to the Busia border in the company of Ugandan officials.
They were received on the Kenyan side by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei confirmed the activists’ release, expressing gratitude to those who facilitated the process.
“Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later,” he said.
Grateful that all the diplomatic efforts towards the resolution of this difficult matter, will shortly yield a positive outcome.
The two had been missing since early October, sparking diplomatic tension between Nairobi and Kampala.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had earlier written to Uganda’s government seeking clarity on their whereabouts after Kenya’s High Commission in Kampala reported the abductions to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his October 31 letter, Mudavadi expressed concern over Uganda’s silence nearly a month after the initial communication.
He urged Kampala to uphold its obligations under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and ensure the safety of foreign nationals within its borders.
“Prompt action on this matter is important to upholding our shared values and preserving the strong relations between Kenya and Uganda,” Mudavadi said.
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
The activists’ disappearance, reportedly involving armed men in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, had drawn widespread concern from human rights groups and families in both countries.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said further investigations would continue to clarify the circumstances of their detention and ensure accountability.
Their safe return marks the conclusion of a month-long diplomatic effort that tested the strength of Kenya-Uganda relations amid growing scrutiny over human rights and cross-border security cooperation.
