Kenyan activist Bob Njagi has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from custody in Uganda, where he was detained for over 30 days alongside fellow activist Nicholas Oyoo.
The two were reportedly abducted on October 1 after attending a rally addressed by the East African country’s opposition leader, Bobi Wine. Their disappearance sparked widespread concern, as their whereabouts remained unknown for over a month.
On Saturday, November 8, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that the duo had been released to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, ending weeks of speculation over their fate.
Activist Bob Njagi narrates ordeal
Speaking after his return, Njagi described the harrowing experience, revealing that they were “tortured while being held at a military camp operated by Ugandan military special forces”.
He further disclosed that they went without proper food for nearly two weeks, noting that he personally chose to fast due to the “dehumanizing nature” of the meals provided.
Also Read: Ugandan Military Speaks on Whereabouts of Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo
The activist confirmed that they had endured physical and psychological torture, adding that they would share more information about their ordeal once they had received medical care. He further expressed gratitude to all who advocated for their release
“38 days of abduction were not easy. We didn’t think we were going to come out alive because we were abducted by the military. We were held by the military in Uganda under the special forces command. We are going to release more details to you in a short while after we get some medical attention. We’ve not been eating for about 14 days. Myself, I’ve been fasting; it’s been very difficult, but thank you so much for your solidarity,” he said.
“I was doing a fast, but at the same time, the kind of food we have been given is not really food. We have been dehumanized.”
According to Free Kenya Movement and Amnesty International, the activists’ release followed high-level negotiations, which included intervention by former President Uhuru Kenyatta who reportedly placed a personal call to the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“Without the intervention of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, I don’t know if we would have managed,” Felix Wambua of the Free Kenya Movement told reporters.
PS Sing’oei confirms release
While announcing their release, PS Korir said that the activists were escorted by Ambassador Maangi and officials from the Ugandan government to the Busia border town, where they were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga. The PS expressed gratitude for their release and stated that more details regarding their disappearance would be shared later.
“Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later,” said Korir.
Also Read: Uganda Frees Two Kenyans After Mudavadi’s Protest Letter to Museveni
On its part, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) welcomed the release of the two activists, extending its “appreciation to their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, the ministries of foreign affairs in Kenya and Uganda, and all active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment.”
LSK President Faith Odhiambo also confirmed that the society, in partnership with VOCAL Africa and Amnesty International Kenya, is facilitating their transfer to Nairobi and will provide details of their arrival for family, friends, and comrades to meet them.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within the East African Community,” Odhiambo said.
Amnesty Kenya has assured that it is focused on ensuring Njagi and Oloo receive the necessary psychosocial and medical care following their 38-day detention in Uganda.
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