Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are finally free. They were released after being held incommunicado for 38 days in Uganda.

Their disappearance sparked a major international outcry. Reports confirmed the duo was tortured while in military detention.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a key role in the final diplomatic breakthrough.

Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo //x

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Background to the Ordeal

The activists were abducted on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. They were seized around the Kireka area in Kampala, Uganda. At the time, they were attending campaign events for Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform.

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According to initial reports, they were subsequently held at the Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe. Njagi and Oyoo faced harrowing conditions.

The two activists revealed they endured both physical and psychological torture. They said they did not expect to survive the ordeal.

Diplomatic Pressure Mounts

The incident reignited regional debate on human rights and cross-border security. Initial efforts by the Kenyan government, including sending a protest letter, struggled to secure a prompt release.

Human rights groups and civil society tirelessly campaigned for their return. Organisations such as Amnesty International and Vocal Africa were central to these efforts.

ALSO READ: 38 Days Over: Abducted Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo Freed by Uganda

Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, Houghton Irungu, commended the sustained pressure.

Amnesty International later confirmed that the release followed high-level negotiations.

Uhuru Kenyatta // x

Kenyatta’s Instrumental Intervention

The crucial intervention that broke the deadlock came from former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Digital strategist Pauline Njoroge stated that Mr Kenyatta personally placed a call to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This direct engagement led to the duo’s release.

Houghton Irungu confirmed that they had sought the former President’s help. He noted that Uhuru’s diplomatic engagement with Kampala ultimately bore fruit.

Safe Return to Kenyan Soil

The activists were released on November 6. They were handed over to the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. This ended their 38-day enforced disappearance.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the release on Friday night. He thanked all parties involved for securing their freedom. The two were received at the Busia border town by County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.

They were visibly frail and emaciated upon their return. However, their health was reported to be stable. They arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday afternoon.

Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo //x

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) welcomed the release. Human rights groups warned that the incident reflects a dangerous trend of regional repression.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo suggested the release should mark a turning point for protecting East Africans’ rights.