Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has urged governments to allow peaceful protests, emphasizing that activists like Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo pose no threat unless provoked.

Speaking on a local TV station on November 10, 2025, Maanzo highlighted the transient and harmless nature of demonstrations, stating, “Governments should just let people demonstrate and after one hour the demonstrators will be back to their homes.”

He described the activists as defenders of human rights rather than sources of conflict, adding, “Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are not bad people, they only stand for protection of human rights.”

His remarks follow the activists’ abduction in Uganda on October 1, 2025, where they were held for 38 days and subjected to torture before their release on November 8, achieved through international pressure.

Calls for government accountability

Maanzo’s position aligns with broader criticisms of the Kenyan government’s handling of cross-border repression. Advocate of the High Court Kibe Mungai labeled the administration’s response a “complete letdown,” questioning the failure to protect Kenyans abroad.

“Tanzania is backward, Uganda remains a military dictatorship, and Kenya is a betrayer,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation. “How can President Ruto not protect our citizens to the point that dictators are bragging about torturing them? The repression of our citizens is a complete letdown,” Mungai added.

Former Agriculture Cabinet Minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa also emphasized state responsibility, noting, “It’s very interesting the way we treat our citizens because you see the prime responsibility of any regime or any government in power is the protection of the people of the country whether they are here or abroad and also protection of their property,” following the activists’ release facilitated by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s diplomatic efforts.

Regional implications and political concerns

The abductions and slow responses have sparked warnings about regional stability and integration. Kathiani MP Robert Mbui criticised the delayed action to secure the activists’ release, describing it as part of a “trinity of terror” among regional leaders.

“The government should have moved a lot faster to secure Kenyans languishing in Ugandan military prisons,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of authorities in safeguarding citizens abroad.