Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were on Wednesday, October 1, allegedly abducted in Kampala, Uganda, by armed men believed to be security officials.
The abduction took place as they accompanied the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in campaigns ahead of Uganda’s 2026 presidential elections.
Bobi Wine confirmed the incident and condemned it on Wednesday, hours after it happened.
“We strongly condemn the abduction by armed operatives of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Nyagi and Nicholas Ayoo. The two were picked up mafia-style this afternoon from a petrol station in Kireka and driven off to an unknown destination!”
“We condemn the continuing lawlessness by the rogue regime and demand that these brothers are released unconditionally! The criminal regime apparently abducted them simply for associating with me and expressing solidarity with our cause!” he said in a post on social media.
According to media reports, the two activists had left Kenya on Monday, September 29, traveling by road alongside two Ugandans.
Upon arrival in Kampala, their Ugandan companions went home, leaving Njagi and Oyoo to link up with the opposition leader’s campaign team.
On Tuesday, September 30, Njagi and Oyoo were seen accompanying Wine and other NUP leaders as they campaigned across Buyende and Kamuli districts.
However, their journey turned tragic when they stopped at a petrol station to repair their car.
It was there, according to accounts from witnesses, that four armed men ambushed them.
Eyewitnesses say the two were forced into a waiting vehicle as their friend narrowly escaped the ordeal.
Within moments, the abductors sped off, and Njagi and Oyoo’s phones were immediately switched off, raising fears that the incident was politically motivated due to their support for Wine.
In a statement, VOCAL Africa condemned the abduction, calling for swift action to secure the activists’ release.
“Reports confirm that activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo of the Free Kenya Movement were abducted in Kampala, Uganda, while attending opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign.
“They were reportedly taken from a fuel station. VOCAL Africa strongly condemns the abduction and demands their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement read.
