Pressure continues to mount on top government officials as calls grow louder for the resignation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda Joash Maangi.
The demands come amid growing anger from human rights activists and civil society groups over the mysterious disappearance of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who went missing in Uganda more than a month ago. The activists have accused both governments of remaining silent and failing to take responsibility for the disappearance.
According to the groups, Tuesday marked thirty-six days since the pair was abducted, yet their whereabouts remain unknown.
In Nairobi, human rights defenders took to the streets outside the Ugandan High Commission, demanding answers and accountability.
They accused Ugandan security agencies of detaining Njagi and Oyoo in solitary confinement, with reports suggesting that the two are being subjected to torture.
The demonstrators vowed to continue pushing for justice, saying they would not rest until their colleagues are found. One of the activists, Mark Amien from Kongamano la Mapinduzi, expressed disappointment with both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities, warning that if silence persists, they might be forced to take their campaign across the border.
“We will not lose hope in seeking justice, even if it means going to Uganda,” he said firmly.
Another activist, Florence Kanyua from the Free Kenya movement, criticized the government’s quiet stance, saying officials were pretending nothing had happened.
She demanded answers, insisting that both Mudavadi and Maangi had failed to protect the rights of their citizens abroad. Amien echoed the same frustration, accusing the officials of negligence and saying that despite numerous appeals, no progress had been made in finding Njagi and Oyoo.
The families of the missing activists have also spoken out, expressing deep distress over the continued silence. Joyce Shikami, representing the Mothers of Victims Network, said it was painful for them as parents not to know where their loved ones were.
She appealed for compassion and swift action, saying that every day that passes without information increases their agony.
Reports from Uganda indicate that Njagi and Oyoo were abducted on October 1 by armed men suspected to be Ugandan security officers. They were reportedly forced into a vehicle and their phones switched off shortly after.
On October 22, Uganda’s High Court ruled that the two be declared missing persons, noting that there was not enough evidence to hold the Ugandan government responsible. Judge Simon Peter Kinobe stated that the accusations lacked merit, a decision that has angered rights defenders who accuse the Ugandan authorities of covering up the truth.
Kenyan activists continue to pressure their government to take stronger diplomatic steps to secure the release of Njagi and Oyoo. They insist that the two men’s health is deteriorating and that time is running out.
Despite the frustration, the groups have promised to keep up their protests and advocacy efforts until justice is served and their colleagues return home safely.
