Human rights groups welcome Oyoo and Njagi’s release
By Faith Lagat, November 8, 2025Human rights organisations have welcomed the release of Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo in Busia after 38 days of enforced disappearance in Uganda.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Amnesty International Kenya, and VOCAL Africa hailed the development as a pivotal moment for human rights within the East African Community (EAC).
The activists were abducted on October 1 while supporting Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine. They were later handed over to Kenyan authorities, signaling a potential shift in regional rights enforcement.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo announced the release via X on November 8, 2025, stating, “@VOCALAfrica_ @LawSocietyofKe and @AmnestyKenya welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance.”
“We extend our appreciation to their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, the ministries of foreign affairs in Kenya and Tanzania, and all active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment,” Odhiambo added. She emphasized the broader impact, saying, “Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere within the East African Community.”
Diplomatic efforts lead to release
Hussein Khalid, a key activist, confirmed the release in a Facebook post, stating, “Following a night of frantic following up, VOCAL Africa in partnership with Amnesty International Kenya and Law Society of Kenya can confirm that Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and back in Kenya.”
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, detailed the diplomatic process in an X post: “Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo are free and on Kenyan territory. Late last night, after lengthy engagements, the two were released to our High Commissioner in Uganda, H.E. @MaangiJoash. They were escorted by the Ambassador and officials of the Uganda government to Busia border town and were received by Busia County Commissioner, Chaunga Mwachaunga. Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible.”
Families and activists
The disappearance of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo drew widespread attention, prompting families and supporters to hold a solemn service at Jesus Christ Church in Ruiru on October 12.
Julius Oyoo, Nicholas’ brother, appealed for prayers, saying, “Nothing is too difficult for God, and He will act on our behalf, but using human beings, and that is why we are requesting you to pray for us.” Church leader Munyori Kinyenje highlighted the role of diplomacy, while Nicholas’ mother, Roseline Ochieng’, described the emotional toll of her son’s absence.
Activists, including Kevin Simba, vowed continued advocacy, calling on the government to intervene. The abduction, linked to Bobi Wine’s campaign, drew regional and international attention, with Bobi Wine condemning it as a “mafia-style” operation and UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor urging prompt investigation and release, marking a significant diplomatic and human rights milestone in the region.