Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who spent 38 harrowing days in detention in Uganda, fell seriously ill during their confinement and required a week-long stay in a military hospital, it has now emerged.
After their hospital discharge, authorities moved the duo to a safe house, where they stayed for three days before being transferred on Thursday in preparation for their release on Friday night.
Upon arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday afternoon, Njagi and Oyoo confirmed they would first undergo medical check-ups before publicly discussing the full extent of their ordeal.
According to Norbert Ochieng, Oyoo’s elder brother, officials had alerted both families several days prior that the activists’ release was imminent, although no exact date had been provided.
“We were informed that Njagi and Oyoo were not in good health and had been taken to a military hospital for a week to recuperate and regain their strength. After that, they spent another three days in a safe house,” Ochieng said.
Their families’ hopes had grown, but with no direct communication from the detainees, anxiety remained high. The period coincided with a final press briefing at Amnesty International Kenya offices, where human rights defenders raised concerns over the worsening conditions of their colleagues reportedly held at a Ugandan military facility.
By last Thursday, information from undisclosed sources proved accurate: authorities confirmed the activists’ release and that arrangements for their repatriation were underway. Ochieng added that on the same day, the Heads of State of Kenya and Uganda had discussed the matter concerning the abducted activists.
“On Thursday night, the two were taken by the Ugandan military to the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. The next day, they were escorted by Ambassador Joash Maangi and the military attaché at the High Commission to the Busia border, where they were handed over to the Busia County Commissioner,” he said.
At the border, Njagi and Oyoo finally contacted their anxious families. Civil society organizations had already arranged transport to Kisumu and later flights to Nairobi.
When asked whether former President Uhuru Kenyatta had intervened, Ochieng downplayed the role of political involvement.
“Many things were happening behind the scenes, and we are just grateful to everyone who helped ensure Oyoo and Njagi’s safe return,” he said.
He added: “I am a pastor, and together with a group of believers, we have been praying and had faith that the two would return safely. Indeed, we have witnessed a breakthrough. They are now in a safe house where they are being assessed and, after the process is complete, they will reunite with their families. We are very happy to have them back home.”
The post Health Concerns, Safe House Stay: Njagi and Oyoo Speak After Ugandan Detention appeared first on Bossnana.
