Late Friday night, activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo arrived safely on Kenyan territory after being released in Uganda, confirmed Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
He stated the pair were handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner in Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi, and escorted by Ugandan government officials to the Busia border town, where they were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.
The two activists had been reported missing since October 1 while in Uganda.
Their disappearance triggered concern from civil society organisations including Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya.
According to the statement by PS Sing’oei on X, “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, H.E. Joash Maangi.
"They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Uganda government to Busia border town and were received by Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga. Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later.”
The backdrop to this release involved diplomatic efforts between Kenya and Uganda. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had previously pressed the matter after the two activists were reportedly abducted while attending a rally.
Civil society groups had petitioned the Kenyan Parliament to summon PS Sing’oei to account for the government’s role and response.
Upon arrival, Njagi and Oyoo were processed through the Busia border crossing and expected to make their way to Nairobi. Reports indicate they were in stable health though visibly affected following their ordeal.
Officials say a more detailed briefing on the circumstances of the abduction, detention, and release of the activists will be issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs..