Kenya Explains Why Kizza Besigye was Not Granted Security in Nairobi

The Kenyan Government has refuted claims that it was involved in the abduction of Ugandan politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and has explained why he was not granted security.

In a TV interview on Wednesday November 20, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei dismissed the claims saying that there are protocols in place meant to facilitate arrival of leaders into the country, which involve facilitation of transport and security.

“Dr. Besigye is a frequent visitor; he comes here privately to engage in private business and engagements. What I’m aware of is there are protocols sometimes that relate to the travel of senior government and opposition leaders,” said Sing’oei.

Government unaware of Besigye’s visit

Despite the protocol in place, Sing’oei however said that the government had not been informed of Besigye’s visit to Nairobi.

As such, it was difficult to make arrangements with local authorities to facilitate his security during his visit.

“The circumstances surrounding his travel are not known to us because no information was shared with us before he travelled,” Kenya’s MFA PS said. 

He explained, “We do not know which hotel he was booked to or which apartment he stayed and therefore we were not in a position to necessarily provide him with certain additional security.”

Also Read: Kizza Besigye: Family Reveals Last Moments Before Abduction

He went ahead to assure Kenyans that despite the regrettable evidence, Kenya is a safe haven.

Besigye was allegedly abducted in Nairobi on November 16, while attending a book launch, by the Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua.

Besigye charged

Later, he was handed over to the Ugandan authorities and was charged with plotting to undermine national security and being in unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Furthermore, he was charged at the General Court Martial at Makidye in Kampala.

Also Read: Besigye to Remain in Custody Until December

Besigye was also charged with holding meetings aimed at soliciting logistical support and identifying military targets in Uganda with intent to prejudice the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.

According to the charge sheet he allegedly committed the offences between October 2023 and November 2024 in Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece) and Nairobi.

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