Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, dismissed claims of government involvement, describing the incident as regrettable but denying any official complicity. “It could have happened on our soil, which is indeed a regrettable development, but Kenya remains a safe haven for many people,” Sing’oei said
A Ugandan minister has admitted that Kenya was complicit in the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Nairobi’s Riverside Drive. The revelation has put the Kenyan government on the defensive, as it contradicts its earlier stance of being unaware of the incident.
Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, during an appearance on NBS TV, disclosed that the Kenyan and Ugandan governments collaborated in Besigye’s arrest and rendition to Uganda, where he faced a court martial. “How would you arrest somebody in the middle of Nairobi and then bring him back to Uganda without the full knowledge and support of the government in Kenya?” Baryomunsi asked.
Besigye had been in Nairobi to attend the launch of Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua’s autobiography at a city hotel.
Kenyan Government Denies Involvement
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, dismissed claims of government involvement, describing the incident as regrettable but denying any official complicity. “It could have happened on our soil, which is indeed a regrettable development, but Kenya remains a safe haven for many people,” Sing’oei said. He added that Kenya encourages visitors, particularly political figures, to notify local authorities of their travel plans to ensure security arrangements are in place. “The circumstances surrounding his travel are not known to us because no information was shared before he traveled. We do not know which hotel he was booked into or which apartment he stayed in, and therefore we were not in a position to provide him with additional security,” Sing’oei added.
International and Human Rights Concerns
Besigye’s abduction has drawn widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations and international actors, including the United States, expressing concern over such incidents involving opposition figures.
The U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Molly Phee, stated: “We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. The circumstances must be clarified with transparency and full legal protections.”
United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk also condemned the abduction, highlighting Uganda’s troubling history of prosecuting civilians in military courts, a practice that contravenes international human rights laws.
“Such abductions of Ugandan opposition leaders and supporters must stop, as must the deeply concerning practice in Uganda of prosecuting civilians in military courts,” Türk stated. He called for Besigye’s release and a thorough investigation into his abduction.
The incident follows Kenya’s controversial extradition of four Turkish refugees last month despite concerns raised by Amnesty International that they could face persecution upon their return. Kenya defended the decision, citing strong bilateral ties with Turkey and assurances of humane treatment for the deportees. Besigye, who has denied charges of illegal possession of firearms and arms negotiations abroad, continues to face trial in Uganda. His abduction has amplified calls for transparency, justice, and adherence to international human rights standards.
