Following the recent abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, Governor James Orengo has urged Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) to remain vigilant regarding the safety of political figures in the region. Besigye was reportedly kidnapped on November 16, 2024, while attending a book launch in Nairobi, and subsequently taken to a military detention facility in Uganda.
Siaya Governor James Aggrey Orengo condemns ‘abduction’ of Uganda’s Kizza Besigye in Nairobi:photo courtesy
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and the executive director of UNAIDS, confirmed the abduction via social media. She stated that her husband was seized at an apartment complex in Nairobi and is now being held without access to legal representation or family. “We demand to see him immediately; he is not a soldier and should not be held in a military prison,” she posted.
Veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye arrives at the Makindye General Court Martial in Kampala on November 20, 2024 [Badru Katumba/AFP
The incident has raised significant concerns about political repression and human rights violations in East Africa. Governor Orengo emphasized the need for MPs to advocate for the protection of civil liberties. “This abduction is a clear violation of democratic principles and must be condemned by all leaders,” he stated. “As representatives of the people, we must ensure that such actions do not go unchecked.”
The abduction has drawn widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations and political leaders. The United Nations and Amnesty International have called for immediate action to secure Besigye’s release, highlighting the growing trend of transnational repression where governments target political dissidents beyond their borders.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Singoei, denied any involvement by the Kenyan government in Besigye’s abduction. He stated, “There is no reason for Kenya to be involved in this incident,” emphasizing that the country respects international law.
Besigye’s abduction follows a troubling pattern of harassment faced by opposition figures in Uganda. Over the years, President Yoweri Museveni’s government has been accused of systemic human rights abuses against dissenters, including unlawful detentions and extrajudicial killings. Critics argue that such actions are intended to instill fear among opposition members and discourage political activism.
As the situation develops, Governor Orengo has called for unity among MPs to protect democratic values and uphold human rights. “We must stand together against any form of intimidation that seeks to silence dissenting voices,” he urged.
The abduction of Kizza Besigye serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by opposition leaders in East Africa. Governor Orengo’s call for vigilance highlights the critical need for solidarity among political leaders in defending democracy and ensuring that human rights are respected across the region.
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Tags: Kizza Besigye, Governor Orengo, Uganda politics, opposition leader, human rights, East Africa
