Kenya has officially acknowledged its role in the abduction of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye on its soil last year, marking a significant shift after months of denial.
Besigye, 68, a former personal physician to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni turned political rival, was forcibly taken by armed men in Nairobi in November. He reappeared days later in a Ugandan military court, sparking international concern.
Speaking in a televised interview on Tuesday night, Kenya’s Foreign Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the country’s involvement, stating:
“Kenya cooperated with the Ugandan authorities. Uganda is a friendly nation.”
Mudavadi further justified the action by saying Besigye had not declared an intention to seek asylum in Kenya.
“Had he said that, maybe the treatment would have been different,” he told Citizen TV.
“We have to manage relations with our East African neighbours carefully, in the interest of regional cooperation.”
The Kenyan government had previously denied any role in the operation.
Besigye, who has contested the Ugandan presidency multiple times, is now facing treason charges in Uganda—a charge that carries a potential death sentence. Rights groups have condemned his arrest and prosecution, linking it to the country’s upcoming January elections, where President Museveni, now 80, is expected to seek another term in office.
Besigye’s case was transferred from a military to a civilian court earlier this year after he launched a hunger strike to protest his detention. His latest court appearance on Wednesday was brief, and the hearing was postponed to May 29.
“It’s very disappointing,” said his lawyer, Erias Lukwago.
“There is a growing pattern of delays and denial of bail in this case.”
Human rights activists argue that Besigye’s ordeal is part of a broader democratic backslide in East Africa.
In Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu is also on trial for treason ahead of national elections in October. Several foreign observers who traveled to attend Lissu’s trial were reportedly detained and deported by authorities.
Meanwhile, a Kenyan activist and a Ugandan journalist remain missing after being arrested by Tanzanian police earlier this week.
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