A vocal activist, Collins Otieno, who had gone missing following protests in Nairobi over the detention of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, has been found alive. According to Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, Otieno was discovered weak, disoriented, and with injuries on his body along Thika Road on Saturday, September 26, 2026. A good Samaritan found him at around 4:30 am and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Otieno's condition is similar to that of fellow activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti, who was found dumped in the Lukenya area.
Otieno was among protesters who took to the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District to protest the continued detention of Kizza Besigye, who was seized in Kenya and moved to Uganda. Reports indicate that Otieno had gone to report the disappearance of fellow activist Muteti before he also went missing. Rights organisations have accused the state of the disappearances. Khalid stated that they would continue to put pressure on the State to release Otieno.
The discovery of Otieno's whereabouts comes a day after Muteti was found dumped in Lukenya. Muteti was rushed to Lifecare Hospital in Mlolongo, where he recounted his harrowing ordeal. He detailed that those who held him against his will tortured and starved him. The four-day ordeal left him nursing both physical and emotional wounds.
According to Khalid, Otieno is currently receiving treatment at Neema Uhai Hospital around Kasarani. His condition is similar to that of Muteti, who was found disoriented, weak, and injured. Lawyer Dan Maanzo stated that Muteti's abductors dumped him in Lukenya so that hyenas in the area could attack him.
The incidents have raised concerns about the government's frosty relationship with activists in the country. The state has been accused of being involved in the disappearances of the activists. Khalid stated that they would continue to put pressure on the State to release Otieno.
The protests in Nairobi were sparked by the continued detention of Kizza Besigye, who has been battling health challenges while in detention. Besigye was seized in Kenya and moved to Uganda, where he is currently being held. The incidents have raised concerns about human rights in the country.
Otieno and Muteti are the latest activists to go missing in Kenya. Their disappearances have sparked widespread condemnation from rights organisations. The state has been accused of using excessive force against activists and opposition leaders.
Key points
- Collins Otieno, a missing activist, was found dumped along Thika Road and rushed to hospital.
- Otieno's condition is similar to that of fellow activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti, who was found dumped in Lukenya.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the government's frosty relationship with activists in the country.
