Two Kenyan activists have been abducted in Uganda after attending opposition leader Bobi Wine’s presidential campaign event, raising alarm among rights groups and political leaders across the region.
Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, both linked to the Free Kenya Movement, were reportedly taken on Wednesday afternoon from a petrol station in Kireka, a suburb just outside Kampala. Witnesses say they were bundled into a vehicle by men believed to be security operatives and driven to an undisclosed location.
Bobi Wine’s party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), condemned the incident, calling it a blatant violation of human rights.
“We strongly condemn the abduction by armed operatives of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo,” the party said in a statement. “They were picked up mafia-style and driven off to an unknown destination.”
Vocal Africa, a Nairobi-based civic rights organisation, confirmed the activists’ disappearance. Its chief executive, Hussein Khalid, demanded their immediate release.
“Reports confirm that activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were abducted in Kampala while attending Bobi Wine’s campaign,” Khalid said. “VOCAL Africa strongly condemns the abduction and demands their unconditional release.”
The incident has also drawn sharp reaction from Kenyan politicians. Nyamira County Senator Okong’o Mogeni described the abductions as a “crime against humanity and law,” but urged activists to remain cautious when challenging authoritarian governments.
“Courage is noble, but wisdom is the sharper shield in the face of despots,” he warned.
The case has deepened concerns over cross-border crackdowns on activists in East Africa. In May, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were abducted in Tanzania, later released near their national borders after alleging harassment and abuse.
As of Thursday, Ugandan authorities had not issued a statement on the alleged abductions. Rights groups in both Kenya and Uganda are now pressing regional and international bodies to hold Kampala accountable for the two men’s safety.
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