Kenyan activist Collins Otieno, who had gone missing during protests in Nairobi's Central Business District on Monday, September 21, has been found injured along Thika Road. According to Hussein Khalid, Chief Executive Officer of Vocal Africa, Otieno was discovered at around 4:30 am on Saturday, September 26. A boda boda rider who came across him took him to Neema Uhai Hospital in Kasarani, where he was receiving medical attention. Otieno was reportedly in a weak and confused state when he was found.
Otieno had been among activists arrested during protests over the continued detention of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye. His disappearance was reported as efforts were underway to find fellow activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti, who had gone missing on the same day. Muteti had reportedly left other protesters in the CBD to print a petition but later disappeared, prompting efforts to establish his whereabouts. Otieno had reportedly gone to report Muteti's disappearance and assist in efforts to trace his colleague before he himself went missing.
Muteti was eventually found alive on Friday morning in the Lukenya area of Machakos, ending several days of uncertainty over his whereabouts. He was reportedly injured and disoriented when he was found and was taken to Sanel Hospital in Mlolongo for treatment. With Otieno's discovery on Saturday, both activists have been found after disappearing in the aftermath of Monday's protests. Khalid stated that Otieno was dumped along Thika Road and was found by a good Samaritan boda boda rider.
The protests that preceded the disappearances were linked to continued concerns over the circumstances surrounding Besigye's disappearance from Nairobi in November 2024. Besigye later surfaced in Uganda, where he was taken to court and initially faced proceedings before a military court. Activists have continued to seek answers on how Besigye was moved from Kenya to Uganda and whether Kenyan police played any role in his transfer.
Besigye is currently facing treason and misprision of treason charges before the High Court of Uganda. The Ugandan opposition leader's detention has sparked widespread concern and protests in both Kenya and Uganda. Otieno's and Muteti's disappearances had sparked fears for their safety, but their discovery has brought some relief to their colleagues and supporters.
Khalid, however, did not provide details on what happened to Otieno during the period he was missing or explain how he ended up along Thika Road. The circumstances surrounding their disappearances and the treatment they received while missing remain unclear. Otieno is currently receiving medical attention at Neema Uhai Hospital.
The discovery of Otieno and Muteti has highlighted the risks faced by activists in Kenya and Uganda who are advocating for human rights and democratic freedoms. Their cases have drawn attention to the challenges faced by civil society activists in the region and the need for greater protection and support for those who are advocating for change.
Key points
- Collins Otieno found injured along Thika Road after going missing during protests over Kizza Besigye's detention
- Otieno and fellow activist Boniface Muteti had gone missing during protests in Nairobi's Central Business District on September 21
- The protests were linked to concerns over Besigye's disappearance from Nairobi in November 2024 and his subsequent detention in Uganda
