Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo have been released after being held incommunicado in Uganda for 38 days. Their disappearance caused major international concern, and reports confirm they were tortured while in military detention.
The activists were abducted by armed men in Kampala on October 1 while attending campaign events by Opposition Leader Bobi Wine.
They were reportedly held at Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe, where they suffered both physical and psychological abuse. They said they did not expect to survive.
Initial efforts by the Kenyan government, including a formal protest letter, did not secure their release.
The breakthrough came when former President Uhuru Kenyatta personally called General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda.
Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge said Kenyatta’s direct intervention led to Njagi and Oyoo being freed.
The activists were released on November 6 and handed over to the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. They were received at the Busia border before returning home. They appeared frail and emaciated but were reported to be in stable health. They arrived at JKIA on Saturday afternoon.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) welcomed the release, while human rights groups warned that the incident reflects a worrying trend of regional repression.
By Vivian K.