Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, have been released after vanishing in Uganda while attending an opposition political event.
The pair went missing in October while supporting Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, who plans to challenge long-time president Yoweri Museveni.
Rights groups Amnesty Kenya, Vocal Africa, and the Law Society of Kenya confirmed their release in a joint statement on X.
The statement said the activists were freed in Busia after 38 days of enforced disappearance and are being transferred to Nairobi.
Faith Odhiambo, head of LSK, expressed gratitude to human rights groups, foreign ministries, and citizens who campaigned tirelessly for their return.
Oyoo’s older brother, Nobert Ochieng, described the news as a huge relief after a “tormenting and difficult month” for the family.
Kenya’s foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the release came after sustained diplomatic engagement and pledged safe reunification with their families.
The Ugandan police had previously denied holding the men, prompting appeals from families and rights groups to disclose their whereabouts.
VOCAL Africa head Hussein Khalid said eyewitnesses reported the activists were taken by masked, uniformed, armed men, hinting at possible state involvement.
Rights groups fear the pair may have been held alongside other political detainees in military facilities amid increasing abductions in East Africa.
In recent years, dozens of government critics and opposition figures have been abducted, often with little protection or support from their states.
In May, activists Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda were reportedly abducted and tortured in Tanzania, highlighting regional threats to dissent.
