Uganda’s Minister for ICT, Chris Baryomunsi, has sensationally claimed that the Kenyan government collaborated with Ugandan authorities to facilitate the dramatic arrest of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Nairobi.
Besigye was taken into custody on Saturday, November 16, after attending a book launch hosted by NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua.
Four days later, he was flown back to Uganda and arraigned on charges of possessing firearms and ammunition.
Speaking to Uganda’s NBS TV, Baryomunsi suggested that such a cross-border operation could not have been executed without Kenya’s full knowledge.
“Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested, and the government of Uganda was in touch with the government of Kenya,” Baryomunsi said.
“How else would someone be arrested in Nairobi and brought back to Uganda without the support of Kenyan authorities?”
The minister suggested that security agencies from both nations may have acted on classified intelligence unavailable to the general public.
“The question is why he was arrested in Kenya now, and not during previous visits. It depends on intelligence the security officials have,” he added.
Mixed Signals from Kenyan Officials
The remarks directly contradict a statement made by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, who denied any prior knowledge of Besigye’s visit. Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Sing’Oei claimed that Kenyan authorities were unaware of Besigye’s movements.
“The circumstances surrounding his travel are not known to us because no information was shared before he arrived,” Sing’Oei stated. “We do not know where he stayed, and thus we were not in a position to provide additional security.”
The PS reiterated Kenya’s stance as a safe haven for both foreigners and locals, dismissing speculation of foul play.
Unanswered Questions
Baryomunsi’s claims have sparked heated debate, with critics accusing both governments of undermining diplomatic norms. The minister’s comments also raise questions about the timing and motive behind the arrest, as Besigye has previously visited Kenya without incident.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains unclear whether Kenya and Uganda acted jointly or if the arrest was the result of miscommunication between the two governments.
For now, Dr. Besigye faces a legal battle in Uganda while questions linger over the events that led to his dramatic Nairobi arrest.
