Karua demands accountability over Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 20 – National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has demanded accountability over the alleged abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Nairobi and his subsequent detention in a Ugandan military facility.

Speaking ahead of Besigye’s military court appearance in Uganda, Karua strongly criticized the incident, calling it a violation of both Kenyan and international laws. She urged for lawful and transparent cross-border operations between the Kenyan and Ugandan governments.

“We hold both the Governments of Kenya and Uganda responsible for the safety and whereabouts of Dr. Besigye and challenge them to conduct their cross-border operations in accordance with their respective laws and international human rights law,” Karua stated.

Besigye, a four-time Ugandan presidential candidate and outspoken critic of President Yoweri Museveni, attended a book launch hosted by Karua in Nairobi just days before his alleged abduction. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, revealed that he was forcibly taken, transported across the border, and detained in a Ugandan military facility.

Karua condemned the circumstances of his removal, describing it as an “illegal return.” She noted that this act violated international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which protects individuals from forced return to a country where they could face persecution.

“This emerging pattern of kidnapping foreign nationals from Kenyan soil, followed by illegal and forced return and detention in their home countries, does not bode well, especially for us in East Africa,” Karua remarked.

Karua also highlighted past incidents, such as the arrest and forced return of Turkish refugees and the detention of Ugandan activists in Kenya. She termed these actions as inhumane, malicious, and blatant violations of both local and international laws.

She called for the immediate and unconditional release of Besigye and warned that such actions undermine the safety of East Africans traveling within the region.

“These inhumane and illegal practices are informed by intimidation, malice, and impunity, and they violate both municipal and international law,” Karua said.

Conclussion.

She concluded by emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the rule of law as outlined in the Kenyan and Ugandan constitutions and the East African Community (EAC) Treaty.

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Karua demands accountability over Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi