PS Sing’Oei: Why govt took long to intervene in Bob Njagi and Oyoo case
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’Oei has explained why it took the government some time to intervene in the case of Kenyan citizens Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were recently apprehended and detained in Uganda.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a press briefing on the State of Foreign Affairs, Sing’Oei clarified that the duo had been detained by Ugandan military police, a situation that made diplomatic engagement more complex and time-consuming.
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“Our compatriots were apprehended by military police, to the knowledge that they have been returned and they are certainly in good health,” he said.
This comes amid backlash from the rights group and a section of leaders over the inaction of the government to intervene in the disappearance of the two activists.
The activists were surrendered by the Ugandan authorities on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Busia border.
But the PS has stated that because the matter involved a foreign military authority, the Kenyan government had to proceed with caution and within diplomatic channels to ensure their safe release.
Sing’Oei further noted that the government had been following the issue closely from the moment it was brought to their attention.
“It became challenging for us to be able to engage within the shortest time possible,” he explained.
Also watch: Matiang’i slams government over silence on missing Kenyan activists in Uganda
Museveni’s fridge
He also addressed remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who had commented publicly on the matter.
Sing’Oei clarified that the Kenyan government interpreted Museveni’s words in context and did not consider them to be literal.
“It is my belief that President Museveni was speaking metaphorically, rather than to suggest that there was therefore,” he said.
The PS reaffirmed that both Njagi and Oyoo are now back in Kenya and in good health.
“We did our best, and we’re very happy they’re back with us,” he said, expressing relief that the situation had been resolved amicably.
He reiterated that Kenya’s approach to such cases must always respect international law and diplomatic protocol, especially when dealing with military jurisdictions of neighbouring states.
“Until and unless we are able to get further information with respect to death at this point in time, at least, for them to return by virtue of the fact that they were being held,” Sing’Oei noted.
“We are grateful that this matter has come to a positive conclusion.Our focus now is ensuring that our citizens continue to be safe, wherever they are.”
Watch: Kenyan activists freed after 39 days in Ugandan detention following the government’s intervention
