Kenyan activists have announced planned protests in Nairobi on Thursday, September 3, over the alleged abduction and transfer of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Kenya to Uganda.

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Speaking on Tuesday, September 1, the activists said the protest will also demand the immediate release of the opposition leader, who has been in detention since 2024 despite his deteriorating health.

Activists intend to demonstrate in Nairobi CBD, particularly targeting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior.

"It is the principle of non-refoulement that dictates a person is not supposed to be back to a country where they are going to face oppression, harassment and torture," the activists said.

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"There must be an independent and time-bound investigation establishing who requested, authorised, facilitated and concealed Dr. Besije's rendition. All relevant communication, surveillance record, border records and operational orders must be preserved and disclosed," they added.

In addition to Besigye's release, the activists are demanding medical treatment and compensation.

They are also demanding an independent investigation into how he was allegedly taken from Kenya after the Kenyan authorities admitted that they had a hand in his transfer to Uganda.

According to the activists, sending someone to a country where they face a real risk of persecution, torture, or other serious human-rights violations is unlawful, accusing the Kenyan government of taking part in the leader's grievances.

At the same time, human rights groups argue that several people involved in Besigye's legal defence have faced problems, including Martha Karua, who, they say, was detained and deported from Uganda, while other lawyers have faced criminal proceedings or detention.

They are also demanding accountability from Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over alleged statements threatening that Besigye would leave prison either dead or after apologising.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke