Human rights groups and civil society activists in Nairobi have strongly condemned the Kenyan government, accusing it of complicity in the cross-border abduction and illegal rendition of prominent Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The backlash follows growing international outrage over Besigye’s health and treatment in custody. Besigye, a long-time political rival of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, disappeared from a residential apartment complex in Nairobi before reappearing days later in a military court in Kampala to face treason charges.
At a press conference in Nairobi, activists accused Kenyan authorities of failing to safeguard foreign political dissidents within its borders and turning a blind eye to illegal cross-border operations conducted by foreign security forces.
Rights advocates highlighted that the incident forms part of a worrying pattern of cross-border renditions in East Africa, undermining Kenya’s longstanding reputation as a safe haven for regional political exiles and refugees.
“The unlawful cross-border rendition and prolonged detention of Dr. Besigye point to an escalating assault on due process, judicial independence, and the rule of law across the region,” said human rights advocate Mark Amiani during a joint address.
The condemnation comes as reports emerged that Besigye collapsed during court proceedings in Kampala and was transferred to an intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital under heavy military guard. Civil society groups described his health condition as critical and voiced concern over the denial of independent medical access.
Unconditional release of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his legal counsel on humanitarian grounds.
Permission for an independent international medical team to evaluate and oversee his recovery.
A formal investigation into how Ugandan security agents operated undetected in Nairobi to carry out the abduction.
Withdrawal of what activists term “politically motivated” treason charges.
