Kenyan Senator Samson Cherargei has sparked debate after urging the Ugandan government to punish two Kenyan activists allegedly abducted in Kampala. Speaking on Thursday, September 2, the Nandi Senator claimed that the activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were “exporting bad manners” to Uganda and undermining the country’s national security.
According to Cherargei, Kenya’s activists enjoy too much freedom at home and should not extend their activism to neighboring states. “Our Kenyan activists should stop exporting bad manners to other countries because in Kenya, there is too much freedom for them. The Uganda government must deal with anyone who wants to undermine or threaten their national security and integrity,” he stated.
Cherargei further referenced past incidents in Tanzania, where activist Boniface Mwangi and others were allegedly abducted while attempting to carry out similar activities.
Njagi and Oyoo were allegedly seized on Wednesday, September 1, at a petrol station in Kireka, Kampala, where they had stopped to repair their car. Witnesses reported that armed operatives bundled them into a van before switching off their phones.
Ugandan opposition leader and National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Bobi Wine condemned the abduction. In a statement posted on his official X account, Wine accused the government of lawlessness, stating, “We strongly condemn the abduction of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Nyagi and Nicholas Ayoo. They were picked mafia-style and driven off to an unknown destination.”
Wine added that their only “crime” was associating with him and supporting his cause. He demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid also joined the chorus of condemnation, urging Ugandan authorities to respect human rights and free the two Kenyans without conditions.
The incident has sparked regional concern over the safety of activists working across East Africa, where cross-border crackdowns on civic engagement have become increasingly common.
