Two Kenyan human rights activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, have been released after 38 days in captivity following their abduction in Kampala, Uganda, on October 1.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced the development, crediting sustained diplomatic efforts between Nairobi and Kampala.
The duo was handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border late on November 7.
Njagi and Oyoo, linked to the Free Kenya Movement and VOCAL Africa, traveled to Uganda to attend a political rally organized by opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Witnesses reported armed men seized them at a petrol station in the Kireka area, about 10 kilometers from central Kampala.
Their disappearance sparked outrage from civil society groups, with families holding a memorial service in Ruiru on October 12 amid fears of enforced disappearance.
Ugandan authorities initially denied holding the activists, despite allegations of detention at a military facility known for human rights concerns.
Bobi Wine accused President Yoweri Museveni's regime, including his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of orchestrating the abduction to suppress cross-border activism.
Kenyan officials, including Mudavadi, pressed for answers through a formal letter to Uganda's Foreign Minister Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar and a note verbale dated October 3.
The release came after lengthy engagements, with the activists transferred to Kenya's High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, before escort to Busia.
Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga received them, and arrangements ensured their safe journey to Nairobi for family reunions.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei confirmed the handover on X.
"Deeply grateful for the efforts by different actors who made this outcome possible."
Human rights organizations welcomed the news. Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and VOCAL Africa issued a joint statement thanking both governments and former President Uhuru Kenyatta for their roles.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo posted on X: "We welcome the release of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi last night in Busia after 38 days of their enforced disappearance."
Activist Hussein Khalid of VOCAL Africa added that the duo is "safe and sound."
Mudavadi emphasized citizen safety abroad as a "non-negotiable priority," urging Kenyans overseas to stay in touch with embassies.