Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo Freed After 38 Days in Ugandan Custody

Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo have been released by Ugandan authorities, 38 days after their mysterious disappearance. Their freedom was secured through coordination between the Kenyan Embassy in Uganda, local authorities, and humanitarian groups

The two were received at around 1:00 AM at the Busia border by county officials and later recorded statements before being transported to Kisumu, where arrangements were made for their flight to Nairobi

Although both were in stable condition, they appeared visibly weakened. They have since spoken to their families, expressing gratitude to Vocal Africa and Amnesty International for advocating for their release

Confirming the development, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei stated on X

“Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. After lengthy engagements, they were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi. We are deeply grateful to all who made this possible”

Their release follows sustained pressure from human rights organizations and the Kenyan government, which had demanded answers from Uganda regarding their whereabouts

Njagi and Oyoo were reported missing on October 1, 2025, after being linked to opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign events in Uganda’s Buyende and Kamuli districts

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Earlier, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi had written to his Ugandan counterpart expressing deep concern over the matter, noting the lack of official response despite multiple diplomatic engagements

A Ugandan High Court had also dismissed a habeas corpus application seeking to compel the state to produce the two, amid claims they were being held in military custody

Their safe return marks the end of a month-long ordeal that drew regional and international attention

Writer : Mweru Mbugua