Boniface Mwangi welcomes activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo
Presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi has welcomed fellow activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were freed after spending 38 days in enforced disappearance in Uganda.
In a statement shared via his X account on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Mwangi expressed relief and joy at their return, describing it as a victory for justice and human rights defenders across the region.
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He emphasised that the two endured a harrowing ordeal that highlights the persistent threats faced by activists advocating for democracy and accountability in East Africa.
“Started my morning as a proud dad, cheering my son on a field shared with goats. No water point, no washrooms. Our youth deserve better spaces to play, dream, and grow,” Mwangi said.
Adding;
“Later, welcomed home Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, free after 38 days. Ended the day standing with our Sudanese brothers and sisters in Al-Fashir. Our solidarity must go beyond borders.”
Bob Njagi and Oyoo
The two activists were freed in Busia on Thursday night after more than a month of being missing. Their disappearance had sparked outrage among human rights groups and defenders in Kenya and the region.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo confirmed their release, calling it a significant moment for human rights defenders.
“We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance,” Odhiambo said in a statement shared on X.
Also watch: Kenyan activists freed after 39 days in Ugandan detention following the government’s intervention
She expressed gratitude to all those who worked to secure the activists’ release, including their families, fellow activists, journalists, and government officials.
“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,” she stated.
Odhiambo urged that the release should mark a new chapter in the protection of human rights across East Africa.
“Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within the East African Community,” she added.
She said arrangements were being made to transfer the two to Nairobi. “We will give details of their arrival for family, friends and comrades to meet them,” she stated.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei also confirmed that the activists were safe and back on Kenyan soil.
“Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Maangi Joash,” Sing’Oei said on X.
Adding;
“They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Uganda government to Busia border town and were received by Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga. Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later.”
The two activists were reported missing in Uganda on October 1, 2025, under unclear circumstances. Reports indicated that Njagi and Oyoo had travelled to Uganda on Monday, September 29, with two Ugandan colleagues. They later parted ways in Kampala, with the Kenyans reportedly joining opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign trail in Buyende and Kamuli districts.
