Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been reportedly detained in Uganda under unclear circumstances, are finally back home in Kenya after successful diplomatic negotiations between Nairobi and Kampala.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the duo’s release early on November 8, stating that the matter was resolved following “lengthy engagements” between the two governments.

“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,” Dr. Sing’Oei said in an official statement.

He explained that the activists were handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Joash Maangi, late Friday night.

They were escorted by Ugandan authorities and Kenyan embassy officials to the Busia border town, where they were formally received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.

The Principal Secretary expressed appreciation for all those who played a role in securing the safe return of the two Kenyans, describing the outcome as a strong reflection of mutual respect and cooperation between the neighboring nations.

“Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible,” Sing’Oei noted, adding that a detailed report on the case would be released later.

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Protests and Public Outcry in Kenya

The disappearance of Njagi and Oyoo had triggered widespread outrage among Kenyans and human rights activists, with protests staged outside the Ugandan Embassy in Nairobi earlier in the week.

Demonstrators accused Ugandan authorities of abducting the two men and demanded their immediate release.

The activists were reportedly arrested in Kampala on September 30, sparking confusion and conflicting statements about their whereabouts.

Uganda Police Denies Holding the Two

The Uganda National Police (UNP), however, dismissed claims that it had detained the pair.

Speaking on October 6, UNP spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma told reporters that he had not received any official briefing or record showing that the two Kenyans were in police custody.

“On the matter of the two Kenyan activists who disappeared in Uganda, I am not briefed by the police that we have them in our custody. So at the moment, I do not have any information to the effect that they are in police custody,” Kituuma stated.

He further clarified that if he had any details regarding their location or condition, he would have shared them immediately.

“If I had any information on their whereabouts, I would present it here without any reservation,” he added.

Kituuma also challenged opposition leader Bobi Wine to substantiate claims that Ugandan security agencies were behind the alleged abductions.

Kenya Vows to Protect Its Citizens Abroad

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the government remains committed to safeguarding all its citizens, both at home and abroad.

“It is the duty of the government of Kenya to protect its citizens in any part of the world,” Murkomen said, confirming that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was actively involved in securing the activists’ release.

Njagi’s case had drawn particular concern given his past experience. In 2023, he was abducted by masked men in Nairobi and held incommunicado for 32 days during a wave of kidnappings targeting government critics.

A Testament to Diplomatic Cooperation

The safe return of Njagi and Oyoo marks the conclusion of a tense diplomatic standoff and a significant demonstration of cross-border cooperation.

While questions still linger about the activists’ detention in Uganda, Kenyan authorities have reassured the public that investigations into the incident will continue to ensure accountability.

Dr. Sing’Oei underscored that Kenya will continue to “uphold the protection of its citizens globally while strengthening relations with neighboring states.”

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