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The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, has applauded the release of activists Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who regained their freedom in Busia on Thursday night, 38 days after they disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
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In a statement shared on X, Odhiambo said LSK, VOCAL Africa, and Amnesty Kenya were relieved by the activists’ release, terming it a significant victory for human rights defenders in East Africa.
“We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of enforced disappearance,” she stated.
Odhiambo expressed gratitude to all who pushed for their freedom — including their families, the Free Kenya Movement, human rights advocates, journalists, and the foreign affairs ministries of both Kenya and Tanzania.
She noted that the release should mark a new chapter in protecting human rights across the East African Community, adding that arrangements were underway to transport the two to Nairobi for reunification with their families.
The duo’s disappearance had triggered widespread condemnation from civil society groups, which demanded transparency and respect for due process.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that the two were safe and back on Kenyan soil.
“Late last night, after extensive negotiations, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi,” Sing’Oei said on X. “They were escorted by Ugandan officials to Busia, where they were received by County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga. We appreciate everyone who contributed to this outcome.”
Njagi and Oyoo were first reported missing on October 1 in Uganda. They had travelled there on September 29 with two Ugandan colleagues and later joined opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign trail in Buyende and Kamuli districts.
Witnesses last saw them at a Kamuli petrol station, where they were allegedly abducted by four armed individuals in a grey van. A companion who was briefly detained claimed they were forced into the vehicle before their phones went silent.
Ugandan authorities later denied holding the pair, while VOCAL Africa condemned the abduction, saying the activists were targeted for participating in Bobi Wine’s campaign activities.
