Two Kenyan human rights defenders, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, have been released by Ugandan authorities after intense diplomatic negotiations between Nairobi and Kampala.
The two activists, who had been missing for 38 days, were handed over to Kenyan officials late Friday night and safely returned home through the Busia border.
Abduction in Uganda
Njagi and Oyoo disappeared on October 1, 2025, while attending a civic engagement forum in Kampala, Uganda. Witnesses reported that the pair were bundled into a vehicle by armed men shortly after leaving a public event. Their phones went off immediately afterward, sparking fears that they had been abducted by security operatives.
The incident triggered outrage across Kenya and within Uganda’s civil rights community. Several Kenyan organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, VOCAL Africa, and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), demanded their immediate release and called for transparency from Ugandan authorities.
Diplomatic Pressure and Regional Outcry
Following sustained public outcry, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs lodged a formal protest through the High Commission in Kampala.
According to sources within the ministry, Kenya insisted on full accountability and coordination with Ugandan officials to locate the missing activists.
As diplomatic engagement intensified, regional and international partners reportedly intervened, urging Uganda to comply with human rights standards.
The Release
On the night of November 7, Ugandan officials handed over the two Kenyans to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, who confirmed their safe transfer. The duo later arrived at Busia under escort by Kenyan security officers.
Speaking on social media, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the release, saying:
> “Our nationals are safe and now on Kenyan soil. We appreciate all partners who helped ensure their freedom.”
Preliminary medical assessments at Busia indicated that both men were in stable condition, though officials said they would continue to monitor their health and safety.
Rights Groups Welcome the News
Rights advocates welcomed the release as a victory for regional solidarity and a reminder of the importance of protecting civic space within East Africa.
In a joint statement, the LSK and Amnesty Kenya said the case should “mark a turning point for how governments in the region handle human rights activists and cross-border justice.”
Unanswered Questions
Despite the positive outcome, questions remain over where the activists were held, who abducted them, and why they were detained.
The Kenyan government has pledged to issue a comprehensive report once investigations are complete.
Analysts believe the case may influence future diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Kampala, especially concerning the safety of citizens working or campaigning abroad.
Looking Ahead
For Njagi and Oyoo, the road ahead may involve recovery and reflection after their month-long ordeal. Human rights organizations have promised to provide legal and psychological support as the pair resume their advocacy work.
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