Kenya condemns abduction of Ugandan opposition leader: Video
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the reported abduction and deportation of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is now believed to be detained in a military prison in Kampala, Uganda.
In a statement, KNCHR Vice Chair Raymond Nyeri criticised the Kenyan government’s handling of the incident, urging adherence to international law and the protection of asylum seekers.
"We condemn any form of abduction of those who seek asylum in our country," Nyeri said. "Kenya is a country that respects its obligations, and we call upon the government not to deport those seeking refuge. They should abide by international law that requires respect for the rights of asylum seekers," he told reporters.
Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition figure and former ally of President Yoweri Museveni, was reportedly abducted in Nairobi over the weekend. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, who heads UNAIDS, disclosed on X (formerly Twitter) that Besigye was taken against his will in the Kenyan capital.
His lawyer, Erias Lukwago, told AFP that Besigye is currently being held in military cells in Kampala and is expected to appear before a military court on November 20.
"The latest information we have is Besigye is in military cells in Kampala, and the army plans to produce him in the General Court Martial today," Lukwago said. "We are yet to establish the charges against him. Besigye is no stranger to military courts on trumped-up charges, despite having retired from the army and now being a civilian."
Besigye, who has contested Museveni’s presidency four times since 2001, has long been a target of Ugandan authorities. His attempts to unseat Museveni, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, have been met with a series of arrests and detentions.
In recent months, Museveni’s government has intensified its crackdown on opposition figures, with prominent leaders arrested and opposition party members put on trial.
The KNCHR’s condemnation comes amid growing concern over Kenya’s compliance with its obligations under international refugee and human rights laws. By deporting individuals seeking asylum, Kenya risks violating international conventions that protect refugees from being returned to countries where they face persecution.
