Abducted Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo Freed

Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who had been missing for more than a month in Uganda, have finally been released and are back on home soil.

Their freedom follows what officials described as “lengthy engagements” between the governments of Kenya and Uganda.

According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, the two were handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi, before being escorted to the Busia border, where they were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.

Civil Rights Groups Welcome the News

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), VOCAL Africa, and Amnesty Kenya jointly celebrated the activists’ safe return after 38 days in captivity, thanking everyone who campaigned for their freedom.

Amnesty Kenya praised both governments, as well as former President Uhuru Kenyatta, for supporting the negotiations that led to the duo’s release.

“We thank their families, Free Kenya Movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats and active citizens who tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” Amnesty said.

The groups emphasised that this moment should mark a renewed commitment to protecting human rights across the East African region. They also announced that arrangements were underway to transfer Njagi and Oyoo to Nairobi, where family and colleagues will reunite with them.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo echoed that sentiment, saying the release “should signal a new chapter in how East African nations uphold the rights of their citizens.”

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru also lauded Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo for leading the legal team that pushed for their freedom, confirming that the two were en route to Nairobi and expected to land at JKIA around 1 p.m.

Activist Boniface Mwangi thanked Kenyans who spoke out online and in the streets, saying, “Your voices and actions secured their release.” He quoted anthropologist Margaret Mead’s famous words:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Government Response

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi welcomed the safe return of the two men, praising the close diplomatic coordination between Nairobi and Kampala.

“The Government of Kenya welcomes the safe release of our two citizens, who had been abducted by armed men in Kampala,” Mudavadi said, noting that continuous communication between the two countries led to a peaceful resolution.

He added that the handover, which took place late on Friday, 7 November 2025, was jointly coordinated by Ugandan officials and the Kenyan High Commission.

Mudavadi commended Uganda’s cooperation and described Kenya’s diplomatic team in Kampala as “vigilant and professional.” He reaffirmed that protecting Kenyans abroad remains a core priority for his ministry.

“The safety and well-being of Kenyan citizens abroad remain a non-negotiable priority,” he said, urging Kenyans living or travelling overseas to stay in touch with embassies and consulates.

Background

Njagi and Oyoo were reportedly abducted by armed men in the Kireka area of Kampala on 1 October 2025. The duo had travelled to Uganda two days earlier with local colleagues and later joined opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign in Buyende and Kamuli districts.

Witnesses said they were last seen at a petrol station in Kamuli, where a grey van carrying four armed individuals pulled up and forced them into the vehicle.

Their disappearance sparked outrage across Kenya and Uganda, with human rights organisations demanding accountability. Civil society groups are now calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of their abduction and detention.

“Such incidents threaten civic freedoms in the region,” Amnesty Kenya said.