Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei has denied claims that the Kenyan government was involved in the abduction of Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye.
According to Sing’oei, Besigye’s travel to Kenya was neither officially communicated nor facilitated by the authorities, leaving them unaware of his presence.
“We did not know Kizza Besigye was in Kenya to offer him additional security. There are protocols that relate to the travel of senior politicians and leaders. They inform us and seek facilitation, and we even give them security”
Sing’oei further maintained that Kenyan security agencies were not involved in the abduction.
“The circumstances surrounding his travel to Kenya were not known to us. The abduction is not the act of Kenyan security officers.”
However, his statement comes after Uganda’s Information Minister, Chris Baryomunsi confirmed that Ugandan authorities collaborated with their Kenyan counterparts in the abduction.
Speaking to a Ugandan media outlet, Baryomunsi noted that such an operation could not have occurred without Kenya’s knowledge.
“The Government of Uganda was in touch with the Government of Kenya in the arrest of Kizza Besigye. How would you arrest somebody in the middle of Nairobi and then bring him back to Uganda without the full knowledge and support of the state there in Kenya?”
The abduction has moreover drawn international attention, with the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs urging clarity and transparency in handling the matter.
“We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. It is important that the circumstances be clarified with transparency and full legal protections”
