Human rights activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo have been found after missing for over a month in Uganda.
The duo was abducted in Kenya's western neighbour early last month while in the campaign of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine.
They were reportedly picked up by armed men while at a petrol station in Kampala moments after they attended Bobi Wine's rally.
Their disappearance triggered public outcry and diplomatic appeals from Kenyan civil society organisations, including Amnesty International Kenya and VOCAL Africa.
Read More
By early November, they had been missing for over a month, with human rights activists claiming they were being detained at a Ugandan military site known for torture and unlawful confinement.
On Saturday morning, Vocal Africa reported that Njagi and Oyoo were found in Busia.
The duo was released and handed over to Kenya's High Commissioner in Uganda, who facilitated their travel to Busia, where they were received by County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga.
The human rights group thanked the Kenyan and Ugandan governments for helping in their release.
"We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi after 39 days of their enforced disappearance. We extend our appreciation to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments at the highest level and the immediate former president of Kenya for their cooperation towards their safe return. We thank their families, Free Kenya movement colleagues, human rights defenders, journalists, diplomats, and active citizens who have tirelessly campaigned for this moment," Vocal Africa said in its statement.
On his part, Kenya's principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei, appreciated the efforts by the Kenyan mission in Kampala, who strove to locate them.
Sing'oei promised to conclusively update Kenyans on the matter.
"Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible. We shall be releasing a more detailed account later," he said.
Vocal Africa used the moment to call for the upholding of human rights among the East African Community nations.
The duo is en route to Nairobi, where they will be issuing a statement on their experience at the hands of the abductors.
"Let this moment signal an important shift towards upholding the human rights of East Africans anywhere in the East African Community. We are facilitating their transfer to Nairobi and will give details of their arrival for family, friends, and comrades to meet them," Vocal Africa said.
