Activist Bob Njagi has revealed that he was subjected to physical torture and deprived of food during his 38-day detention in Uganda alongside his fellow activist Nicholas Oyoo.

Speaking to the press moments after he landed in Kenya on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Njagi said he was still in physical pain and required medical attention before he could reveal full details of their ordeal.

He confirmed being held by Uganda’s Special Forces Command and that they were unsure of making it out alive.

Unsure of our lives

“I am delighted to be back home. 38 days of abduction were not easy; we did not think we would come out alive,” he said.

“We were being detained under the watch of the Special Forces Command. We are going to release more details to you about what happened in detention in a short while because we need medical attention first. We have not been eating for 14 days. I have been fasting, and it has been very difficult,” Njagi said.

The two were abducted in Uganda after travelling there to stand in solidarity with presidential aspirant and National Unity Platform (NUP) Party leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobby Wine.

Their return comes after the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Njagi and Oyoo had been officially handed over to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, at the Busia border on Saturday morning.

Abducted

The duo was then received by the Busia County Commissioner before being taken for medical examination and debriefing.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the Kenyan government was deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible and assured that Nairobi would continue pursuing accountability for their detention.

However, it has since emerged that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was at the centre the efforts that ensured safe release and repatriation of activists.

In a joint statement posted on their social media on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Vocal Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International Kenya welcomed the release of Njagi and Oyoo after 38 days of enforced disappearance.

The agencies also hailed the role of Kenyatta in facilitating the safe return of the abducted activists.

Appreciations

“We extend our appreciation to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments at the highest level and the immediate former president of Kenya for their cooperation towards their safe return. We thank their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats, and active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” VOCAL Africa said.