Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo reveal they were held, tortured by Ugandan military
Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi disclosed that they had endured both physical and psychological torture during their detention.
Activists Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who were released on Friday, November 7, after 38 days in captivity, have revealed that they were held by the Ugandan military.
The two, who were today joyfully received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by friends, relatives and fellow activists, disclosed that they endured both physical and psychological torture during their detention.
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Overwhelmed with emotion, the activists expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans for their support throughout their ordeal.
“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.
Family and friends welcome Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi at the JKIA, Nairobi. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
Njagi, visibly moved to tears, recounted that they were detained by Ugandan military personnel referred to as the Special Forces.
“We were being held by the Ugandan military, called Special Forces. I hadn’t eaten for up to 14 days because I was fasting,” he added.
The activists further revealed that they were occasionally denied food as a form of torture.
Oyoo noted that they were not in a position to share more details at the moment, as they urgently needed medical attention.
“We will be seeking medical attention first, so we can speak another day about our ordeal,” said Oyoo.
Family members of the two activists thanked Kenyans for mounting pressure that led to their release. They described the period of captivity as one filled with agony and psychological distress.
Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo received by family and fellow activists at JKIA with song and dance. pic.twitter.com/GBcNvB67xh
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) November 8, 2025
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Houghton Irungu and Vocal Africa’s Hussein Khalid were present to welcome the activists, expressing appreciation to all who contributed to their safe return.
“We’re happy that the two are back in the country, thanks to the efforts of Kenyans who demanded their release,” said Irungu.
Khalid condemned the abduction, stating it should never have occurred. He urged Kenyans to speak out against such injustices.
“What happened to our two brothers should never have happened. We want all Kenyans to stand against acts of abduction,” said Khalid.
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