Bob Njagi Claims Ugandan Soldiers Deployed to Quell Gen Z Protests in Nairobi

Bob Njagi Claims Ugandan Soldiers Deployed to Quell Gen Z Protests in Nairobi

Kenyan activist Bob Njagi has made explosive claims that Ugandan soldiers were secretly deployed to Nairobi during the 2024 Gen Z protests, sparking fresh controversy over cross‑border security operations.

Njagi, who was abducted and detained incommunicado in Uganda for 38 days, spoke out during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday night. He alleged that members of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confessed to him while in detention that they had crossed into Kenya disguised as police officers to help suppress the youth‑led demonstrations.

“One shocking revelation is that there were some soldiers who revealed to me that they participated in the Gen Z protest in Kenya. They were moved from Uganda as military dressed in Kenyan police uniforms to come and quell the riots in Kenya,” Njagi said.

He added that the soldiers became friendly with him during his incarceration at a UPDF camp outside Kampala, where they confided details of the alleged operation.

“This is a collaboration between States; that is why you are seeing what is happening in Kenya resonating in Uganda and Tanzania,” he added.

Detention in Uganda

Njagi recounted how he and fellow activist Nicholas Oyoo were detained at a military facility before being transferred after a meeting between UPDF Commander General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni’s son, and senior officers.

“I think our captors got the wrong intelligence that we were in Uganda to mobilise young people to protest. They went through our phones for 38 days but never charged us with any crime,” Njagi said, adding that they were later moved to a hospital before their release.

Oyoo also shared his ordeal, revealing that after their phones were confiscated, he was subjected to brutal interrogation.

“When I refused to cooperate, I was handcuffed and caned many times as the officers pressed me to explain my WhatsApp messages,” Oyoo recounted.

Despite repeated denials by Ugandan police and military that the activists were in custody, Njagi and Oyoo were eventually released on the night of Friday, November 7, and handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border crossing. Their abduction had taken place on October 1.

Human Rights Concerns

Njagi’s claims have reignited concerns among human rights groups about cross‑border security operations and the alleged use of foreign forces to quell domestic protests. The Gen Z demonstrations, which saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets, were already marred by accusations of excessive police force.

Civil society leaders argue that if Njagi’s allegations are true, they represent a serious violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and international law.

Political Ambitions

In a dramatic twist, Njagi announced that he will contest the presidency in 2027, positioning himself as a champion of justice and human rights.

“We are moving away from protest to power. I will be vying for the presidency come 2027, and they should be prepared for a serious battle. We ask Kenyans to join the People Power Movement as an alternative voice of the people,” he declared.

Njagi’s announcement has already stirred debate, with supporters hailing him as a bold voice for change, while critics question the credibility of his claims.

As Kenya grapples with the fallout from the Gen Z protests, Njagi’s revelations and political ambitions are likely to keep him at the center of national discourse in the months ahead.

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Bob Njagi Claims Ugandan Soldiers Deployed to Quell Gen Z Protests in Nairobi