Two human rights activists from Kenya have reportedly gone missing in Uganda after being taken by armed men during an opposition campaign event led by Bobi Wine, a prominent political figure in Uganda. The activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were allegedly abducted at a petrol station and have not been located since. Eyewitness accounts indicate that they were forced into a vehicle by four armed individuals.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, condemned the incident, suggesting that the Ugandan government is targeting the activists for their association with him. He expressed his concerns via social media, demanding their unconditional release. Kenyan rights group Vocal Africa has echoed these sentiments, calling for their immediate return.
Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri stated that he was unaware of the situation, while inquiries have been made to Ugandan authorities for further clarification. Videos circulated online show Njagi actively engaged in Bobi Wine’s campaign, highlighting his participation in recent events leading up to the upcoming presidential election where Bobi Wine is challenging long-time President Yoweri Museveni.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred involving Njagi. He was previously abducted in Kenya last year amid a wave of kidnappings targeting government critics, remaining missing for over a month before a court mandated his release. Similar cases in the region have raised concerns about the treatment of dissenters; earlier this year, activists were detained in Tanzania and later reported mistreatment.
The recent disappearances bring to light a troubling pattern of incidents involving politicians and activists across East Africa, leading to speculation about potential governmental collaboration to suppress opposition voices. These developments warrant further scrutiny into the implications for human rights in the region.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kn205174po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss