Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo released by Ugandan authorities
Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were released by the Ugandan authorities to the custody of the Kenyan Embassy, 38 days after their disappearance.
The release was facilitated in coordination with local authorities and humanitarian organizations, officials said.
At approximately 1 am Saturday, the two were received by Busia County Commissioners upon their arrival at the border.
They later recorded statements before being transported to Kisumu, where arrangements are underway to secure a flight to Nairobi.
Both activists were reported to be in stable health, though visibly emancipated.
The duo also contacted their families to assure them of their safety through Vocal Africa and Amnesty International, who were instrumental in advocating for their release and safeguarding their well-being throughout the ordeal.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the reports, lauding the different actors for their pivotal roles in securing their release.
“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,” he posted on X.
“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 development comes amid efforts by human rights groups and the Kenyan government to press the Ugandan government to provide answers over the activists’ whereabouts. Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said they appreciated all who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment. “Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within theEast 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 activists went missing on October 1, 2025, in Uganda under unclear circumstances shortly after they were linked with opposition politician Bobi Wine’s campaign trail in Buyende and Kamuli districts.
Following their disappearance, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi contacted his Ugandan counterpart over the matter, but received no response.
“This communication follows up on the note verbale dated October 3, 2025. It also follows additional engagements by our ambassador in Kampala and phone calls between our principal/permanent secretaries,” Mudavadi wrote.
“It is with profound concern that I note nearly a month has elapsed since our initial communication and the government of the Republic of Kenya is yet to receive a formal response from the government of the Republic of Uganda regarding the whereabouts and well-being of our nationals in question.”
His letters came after a Ugandan High Court dismissed a habeas corpus application seeking their production by security agents.
The application claimed that the two were being held in military custody after campaigning for Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine.