Busia, Kenya — The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has welcomed the release of Kenyan activists Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who were freed in Busia on Thursday night after 38 days of enforced disappearance.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Odhiambo said the LSK, alongside VOCAL Africa and Amnesty Kenya, were relieved and grateful for their release, terming it a major step for human rights defenders in East Africa.
“We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance,” the statement read.
Human Rights Victory After Weeks of Pressure
The two activists had been missing since October 1, after allegedly being abducted in Uganda by unknown individuals. Their disappearance sparked public outrage and calls for accountability from civil society organisations, media, and international observers.
Odhiambo expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the campaign for their release, including the activists’ families, the Free Kenya Movement, journalists, and the ministries of foreign affairs in both Kenya and Tanzania.
“We extend our appreciation to their families, Free Kenya Movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, the ministries of foreign affairs in Kenya and Tanzania, and all active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” Odhiambo said.
She further noted that their release should mark a turning point in how East African governments handle human rights and citizen protections across borders.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within the East African Community,” she added.
Oyoo and Njagi to Be Transferred to Nairobi
According to LSK, the organisations involved are now facilitating the safe transfer of the two activists to Nairobi, where they will reunite with their families and colleagues.
“We will give details of their arrival for family, friends, and comrades to meet them,” Odhiambo said.
Their release came after intense diplomatic engagement between the Kenyan and Ugandan governments, supported by human rights networks within the region.
Government Confirms Release
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the release on X, stating that both activists were safely back on Kenyan soil.
“Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Maangi Joash,” said Sing’Oei.
He added that they were escorted by Ugandan government officials to the Busia border town, where they 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,” he added.
The Disappearance in Uganda
The two activists — members of the Free Kenya Movement — were reported missing on October 1, 2025, under unclear circumstances.
Reports indicate that Oyoo and Njagi had travelled to Uganda on September 29 with two Ugandan colleagues. The group later split in Kampala, with the two Kenyans joining opposition politician Bobi Wine’s campaign trail in Buyende and Kamuli districts.
Eyewitnesses claimed the activists were last seen at a petrol station in Kamuli, where their car had mechanical issues. Around 3 p.m., a grey van carrying four armed individuals, including one woman, allegedly arrived and forced the activists into the vehicle.
Their phones went silent shortly afterward, and Ugandan police later denied having them in custody.
Human rights organisation VOCAL Africa condemned the alleged abduction at the time, posting on X:
“Reports confirm that activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo of the Free Kenya Movement were abducted in Kampala, Uganda, while attending opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign. They were reportedly taken from a fuel station.”
Human Rights Groups Call for Accountability
Following their release, regional rights groups have called for a comprehensive investigation into the enforced disappearance to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
Amnesty Kenya and VOCAL Africa have reiterated that activists must be protected, not persecuted, for their advocacy and political involvement.
Observers say the case underscores the vulnerability of human rights defenders operating across East Africa, particularly during politically charged periods.
“Their safe return is a victory for justice and democracy, but the region must still confront the impunity that allows such abductions to happen,” said a human rights lawyer familiar with the case.
