Kenya Secures Release of Citizens Detained in Tanzania and Uganda

Kenya has secured the release of two citizens detained in Tanzania and two activists held in Uganda.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said in a briefing in Kakamega County on 20 November that the two Kenyans arrested in Tanzania were now in the care of the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam.  They had been detained after unrest linked to Tanzania’s recent general election, and arrangements for their repatriation are underway.

Mudavadi also confirmed the return of activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were abducted in Kampala on 1 October and held for 38 days. He said their release followed direct talks between President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, with the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala coordinating their journey home.

Addressing speculation about former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s possible involvement, Mudavadi said the government welcomed any support offered by national leaders but stressed that the official repatriation process was managed by his ministry. He urged Kenyans travelling abroad to respect local laws, noting that his ministry continues to engage foreign governments to ensure the safety and welfare of the diaspora. 

He added that issues involving Kenyan citizens overseas must be resolved through established diplomatic channels. Mudavadi said the successful resolution of the cases reflects the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals while maintaining stable relations with neighbouring countries, particularly during periods of political tension in the region.