After more than a month of disappearance, activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo have been released and are back on Kenyan soil.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, the two were freed following “lengthy engagements” between the Kenyan and Ugandan authorities.
“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, Joash Maangi,” Sing’oei said on X.
“They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Ugandan government to Busia border town and were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.”
He expressed gratitude to all actors involved and said a detailed account of the release will be shared later.
Statements from civil rights groups
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), VOCAL Africa and Amnesty Kenya jointly welcomed the release of the two, who had been missing for 38 days.
Amnesty Kenya has extended their appreciation to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments at the highest level and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, for their cooperation towards their safe return.
“We thank their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats and active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” the body said.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere in East African Community. We are facilitating their transfer to Nairobi and will give details of their arrival for family, friends and comrades to meet them.”
The groups thanked the activists’ families, the Free Kenya Movement, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats and active citizens who campaigned for their release.
They added that they are facilitating the activists’ transfer to Nairobi and will provide details of their arrival for friends and family to meet them.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the release should signal a new chapter in how East African nations uphold the rights of their citizens.
“We hope this marks an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere in the region,” Odhiambo stated.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru expressed gratitude to Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo for leading the legal team in the successful negotiations for the release of the activists.
“Senator Maanzo has confirmed this morning to have spoken to the two abductees, and he further confirms that the plane carrying the two is scheduled to touch ground at JKIA at 1 pm today,” he said.
Activist Boniface Mwangi acknowledged the role Kenyans had played in the release, stating that, “Your voices and actions secured their release from detention in Uganda”.
He cited Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Kenyans on X have widely welcomed the news, with many activists, journalists, and civil society groups calling it a victory for solidarity and human rights.
Others have urged authorities to investigate the circumstances of the duo’s disappearance and ensure accountability.
Kenyans on X have widely welcomed the news, with many calling it a victory for solidarity and human rights.
What’s next
The activists are expected to arrive in Nairobi soon, where civil society groups and family members will receive them.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to release more details on the diplomatic negotiations that led to their return.
Amnesty Kenya and VOCAL Africa have called for a transparent investigation into their disappearance, saying such incidents threaten civic freedoms in the region.
by SHARON MWENDE
