he safe return of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo to Kenyan soil after 38 days in Ugandan military detention was a direct result of relentless diplomatic and political pressure, confirming that the security of Kenyan citizens is a matter of non-negotiable priority.

The Free Kenya Movement (FKM) acknowledges the critical role played by the Kenyan government in bringing our colleagues home, a process that involved formal communication, high-level talks, and coordination between Nairobi and Kampala.

📝 Sustained Diplomatic Engagement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed that the release was achieved through “sustained diplomatic engagement.”

• Initial Note Verbales: Diplomatic pressure began immediately after the October 1, 2025, abduction with the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala issuing formal Note Verbales to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• High-Level Letter: Frustration over Uganda’s initial silence forced an escalation. On October 31, 2025, CS Mudavadi personally addressed a formal letter to his Ugandan counterpart, General Jeje Odongo, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The letter demanded answers, stressing that both governments were “duty bound to the protection and safety of our citizens” and urging swift action to preserve the values of the East African Community (EAC).
• Presidential Intervention: According to official statements, the final breakthrough was spearheaded by the personal intervention of President William Ruto, who engaged at the highest level to secure the activists’ freedom.

🤝 The Release at Busia Border

The successful diplomatic efforts culminated on the night of Friday, November 7, 2025.

• Handover: Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were released to the custody of Kenya’s High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi, late that night.
• Crossing the Border: The High Commissioner and Ugandan officials escorted the pair to the Busia border town.
• Formal Reception: At approximately 11:00 PM EAT, they were formally received on Kenyan territory by the Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga, marking the end of their harrowing ordeal and their safe return to freedom.

❓ Accountability Still Pending

While we appreciate the government’s decisive action, the diplomatic success does not erase the violation of rights. The Kenyan government must now use its position to seek full accountability:

1. Demand for Disclosure: The government of Uganda has not issued any formal statement explaining the abduction, detention, or the identity of the security operatives involved. Kenya must continue to demand full disclosure.
2. Protection of Civility: This case must establish a firm precedent: the safety of Kenyan activists engaged in peaceful democratic expression, even across EAC borders, is non-negotiable and protected by international and regional charters.

The FKM stands ready to cooperate with the Kenyan government to ensure justice is served and to prevent this dark chapter of transnational repression from recurring.

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