Uhuru played key role in securing release of activists Njagi and Oyoo – Irungu Houghton

Efforts by former President Uhuru Kenyatta were instrumental in securing the release of activists John Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, Amnesty International-Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton has revealed.

Houghton, who was among the activists who joined the families of the two human rights defenders at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), said Uhuru’s diplomatic intervention played a key role in their release from detention in Uganda.

“It is true that we had to seek the help of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who intervened to have the two released. His diplomatic engagement with Kampala bore fruit,” said Houghton.

At JKIA, both Houghton and his Vocal Africa counterpart, Hussein Khalid, highlighted the tough and delicate efforts made by activists, the Government of Kenya, and Members of Parliament to secure the activists’ freedom.

Senator Daniel Maanzo disclosed that he had travelled to Uganda twice. During his first visit, accompanied by a delegation of Kenyan MPs, they met senior officials in President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, who pledged to lobby for the activists’ release.

“In the first instance, I visited Kampala alongside other MPs, where we met top officials of the Ugandan government. I returned a few days ago to follow up on the matter, as we had been promised that Njagi and Oyoo would be released,” said Maanzo.

The two activists later confirmed that they had been held by the Ugandan military.

Fighting back tears, they revealed that they had endured both physical and psychological torture. Overwhelmed with emotion, they expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans for their unwavering support.

“We are very grateful to be free. We didn’t believe we would come out of this alive. We were tortured physically and emotionally,” said Njagi.

Njagi, visibly emotional, recounted that they were detained by Ugandan military personnel referred to as the Special Forces.

The activists were released to the custody of the Kenyan Embassy 38 days after their disappearance. The release was facilitated in coordination with local authorities and humanitarian organisations.

They later recorded statements before being transported to Kisumu, where arrangements were underway to secure a flight to Nairobi.

Both activists were reported to be in stable health, though visibly emaciated.

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They contacted their families to assure them of their safety through Vocal Africa and Amnesty International, both of which played a critical role in advocating for their release and safeguarding their well-being throughout the ordeal.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the release, commending the various actors involved.

“Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi,” he posted on X.

“They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Ugandan 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.”