Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo freed after abduction

Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo have been released after spending more than 30 days in Ugandan custody, bringing relief to their families, colleagues, and human rights defenders across East Africa.

The two were reportedly abducted on October 1 while attending a rally by Uganda’s opposition leader, Bobi Wine. Their sudden disappearance sparked widespread concern and condemnation from civil society and regional human rights organisations.

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Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, confirmed their release on Saturday, November 8, 2025, saying the activists were handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, and received at the Busia border.

“Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. They were escorted by officials from the Ugandan government and received by the Busia County Commissioner,” he said. Sing’oei added that the government was “deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible” and promised more details would follow.

Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), welcomed the release, noting that it underscored the importance of upholding human rights in the region. “This outcome demonstrates that persistent advocacy and regional cooperation can make a difference,” Odhiambo said.

Also watch: Okiya Omtatah calls upon Museveni to release Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi

In a joint statement, VOCAL Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International Kenya expressed appreciation for the sustained efforts that led to the release.

“We extend our appreciation to their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, the ministries of foreign affairs in Kenya and Tanzania, and all active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment.”

“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within the East African Community. We are facilitating their transfer to Nairobi and will provide details for family, friends, and comrades to meet them,” the statement read.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had earlier written to the Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, seeking answers on the whereabouts of Njagi and Oyoo following their abduction.