Uganda claims Kenya knew about and assisted in Dr. Kizza Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi. ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi said such an operation needed Kenya’s approval.
Dr. Besigye traveled to Nairobi for a book launch by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua on November 17. He was arrested before the event. Uganda later charged him with illegal possession of firearms and attempting to buy weapons abroad.
Kenya denies any involvement. Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Sing’oei said Besigye’s visits are usually private. He added that senior leaders inform authorities if they need security.
Dr. Besigye described the arrest after appearing in a Ugandan military court. He said Ugandan agents ambushed him and Hajj Obeid Lutale in Riverside, Nairobi, on November 16. The agents forced them into a car with Kenyan plates and drove to the Uganda-Kenya border overnight. At Malaba, the agents switched cars and revealed their Ugandan identity.
The U.S. and human rights activists condemned the incident. They called it a breach of international law. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs urged transparency and respect for legal standards.
Kenyan officials, including Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi, have not responded to Uganda’s claims. The arrest has raised questions about Kenya’s role and cross-border cooperation.
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