Kenyan Activists Plan Nationwide Protests Over Alleged Rendition of Kizza Besigye

Kenyan activists are set to stage nationwide demonstrations on Thursday, September 3, 2026, demanding answers over the alleged rendition of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye from Kenya to Uganda.

The protests, which are expected to take place in several parts of the country, come amid growing concern over Besigye's reported health condition and the circumstances surrounding his detention in Uganda.

In Nairobi, activists plan to demonstrate in the Central Business District, with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior among their targeted locations.

The protesters are demanding Besigye's immediate release, medical evacuation, reparations and an independent investigation into what they describe as possible cross-border repression.

Activists Question Kenya-Uganda Cooperation

The protests follow an admission by the Kenyan government that it "cooperated" with Uganda in connection with Besigye's transfer.

Activists argue that the admission raises serious questions about whether Kenyan authorities facilitated an unlawful operation that bypassed constitutional safeguards and international obligations.

Hussein Khalid, chief executive officer of Vocal Africa, said the alleged transfer violated the principle of non-refoulement under international law.

The principle generally prohibits states from transferring an individual to a country where there are substantial grounds to believe they could face persecution, torture or other serious human rights violations.

"The issue of Besigye, the issue of Tindu Lisu, and other East African opposition leaders like Zambia, Rwanda and also Sudan who have not been around, these continue happening in the African community," Kenyan activist Muteti Mulingi said.

Besigye's Health Raises Concern

Besigye and his colleague Hajji Obed Lutale were allegedly abducted in Nairobi in November 2024 before being held incommunicado and secretly transferred to Uganda, according to the activists.

Concern over Besigye's health has intensified in recent weeks.

Mulingi said Besigye collapsed during his trial on July 29, 2026, and was subsequently admitted to intensive care.

Activists say his condition remains critical and are demanding that he be allowed to receive urgent medical treatment, including possible evacuation outside Uganda.

The claims surrounding his medical condition and detention have added urgency to calls for intervention from Kenyan and international human rights organisations.

Lawyers Also Face Legal Pressure

Activists have raised concerns about what they describe as increasing pressure on Besigye's legal team and other individuals involved in his defence.

They cited the detention and deportation of former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, as well as legal proceedings involving Ugandan lawyer and co-counsel Erias Lukwago.

They also pointed to the detention of lawyer Eron Kiiza, who they said was remanded for nine months.

The activists argue that the developments form part of a broader pattern of pressure against individuals defending or supporting opposition figures in the region.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The demonstrators are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Besigye's alleged rendition.

Kenyan activist Kevin Otieno called for an independent and time-bound inquiry to establish who allegedly requested, authorised, facilitated or planned the operation.

He also called for the preservation and disclosure of relevant communications, surveillance records, border records and operational orders.

The activists say such an investigation should establish the respective roles of Kenyan and Ugandan authorities and determine whether any laws or constitutional protections were breached.

Activists Accuse Ugandan Officials

Human rights campaigners have also raised concerns over alleged threats against Besigye.

Kenyan activist Julius Kamau accused Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of making threatening remarks about Besigye.

Kamau cited alleged comments in which Kainerugaba reportedly threatened that Besigye would either be killed or forced to apologise.

Such allegations have intensified concerns among activists over Besigye's safety while in Ugandan custody.

The claims have not, however, been independently established in the information available.

Protests to Test Regional Accountability

The planned demonstrations are expected to place renewed pressure on the Kenyan government to explain its role in Besigye's transfer and to address broader concerns about cross-border cooperation involving political opposition figures.

Activists say the case is not only about Besigye but also about the protection of political rights, due process and human rights across East Africa.

They are calling for his immediate release, access to appropriate medical care and reparations, alongside a transparent investigation into the circumstances of his alleged rendition.

The protests could also reignite debate over Kenya's obligations under its Constitution and international human rights treaties, particularly when individuals face possible persecution or mistreatment following cross-border transfers.