NAIROBI, Kenya – Two Kenyan activists who went missing in Uganda over a month ago have been released following what human rights groups say was high-level intervention involving both governments — and the immediate former President, Uhuru Kenyatta.
VOCAL Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International Kenya on Tuesday welcomed the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who had been missing for 39 days after reportedly being abducted in Kampala under unclear circumstances.
In a joint statement, the rights organisations expressed gratitude to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments “at the highest level” and credited former President Kenyatta for his cooperation in ensuring the duo’s safe return.
“We extend our appreciation to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments at the highest level and the immediate former President of Kenya for their cooperation towards their safe return,” the groups said.
@VOCALAfrica_ @LawSocietyofKe @AmnestyKenya welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi after 39 days of their enforced disappearance.We extend our appreciation to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments at the highest level and the immediate former President of Kenya for
The statement also thanked the activists’ families, members of the Free Kenya Movement, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats, and citizens who kept up pressure for their release.
VOCAL Africa said arrangements were being made to transfer the two back to Nairobi, where details of their arrival would be shared with family and supporters.
The group called the release a “turning point” for human rights protection in the region, urging East African governments to uphold the rights and safety of citizens across borders.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere in the East African Community,” the organisations added.
The circumstances of the activists’ disappearance and detention remain unclear, but their release follows weeks of public outcry and diplomatic appeals from Kenyan civil society.
