Kenya’s government has launched an investigation into the alleged abduction of prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye from Nairobi, following growing criticism over its failure to protect dissidents.
Besigye, a longtime critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, vanished from Nairobi on Saturday and resurfaced on Wednesday in a Ugandan military court. He faces charges including illegal possession of firearms. Ugandan authorities allege he was found with a pistol and ammunition in Nairobi’s Riverside area, claims his wife, Winnie Byanyima, denies, stating he hasn’t owned a gun in 20 years.
Korir Sing’oei, principal secretary at Kenya’s foreign ministry, described the incident as an abduction and insisted it was not sanctioned by the Kenyan government. Kenya’s interior ministry is investigating how Besigye was forcefully removed and transferred to Uganda.
Besigye’s detention in a military court has drawn widespread condemnation. Byanyima, also UNAIDS’ executive director, insists he should face trial in a civilian court. Critics, including the International Commission of Jurists, likened the incident to past cross-border renditions in East Africa.
This case adds to Kenya’s growing human rights concerns, following recent deportations of Ugandan political party members and Turkish refugees. U.S. Senator James Risch criticized Besigye’s transfer, calling it a breach of international norms.
Besigye, a former ally-turned-rival of Museveni, had traveled to Kenya for a book launch. Over the years, he has contested and rejected results in four elections against Museveni, citing fraud.
