NAIROBI, Kenya — Human rights organisations have welcomed the release of Kenyan activists Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who regained freedom last night after being held in Uganda for 38 days following their alleged abduction in early October.
In a joint statement on Friday, VOCAL Africa, Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty Kenya expressed gratitude to the governments of Kenya and Uganda for their cooperation in securing the activists’ 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 organisations said.
The groups also thanked the activists’ families, members of the Free Kenya Movement, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats, and citizens who campaigned for their release.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere in the East African Community,” the statement added.
The two activists were reportedly abducted on October 1 in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, after attending a political rally by Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.
They were handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Dr. Joash Maangi, before being escorted to the Busia border and received by local authorities.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed their release earlier in the day, saying a detailed account of the incident would be shared later.
VOCAL Africa said it is facilitating the activists’ transfer to Nairobi, where they will reunite with their families and colleagues.
The case had sparked widespread concern across Kenya and Uganda, drawing condemnation from human rights advocates who termed it an “enforced disappearance” and a test of the region’s commitment to civil liberties and cross-border justice.
