Ugandan lawyer Kiiza Eron, representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has urged Kenyan President William Ruto to utilize Kenya's diplomatic channels to secure Besigye's unconditional release and medical evacuation. Besigye, 70, has been in detention in Uganda since his alleged abduction in Nairobi in November 2024 and subsequent transfer to Uganda. Eron stated that Kenya should continue engaging Uganda on Besigye's case and support efforts to address his continued detention.
Eron also called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Besigye's transfer, including the involvement of Kenyan and Ugandan authorities. The lawyer cited previous statements by Kenyan officials, including remarks by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in May 2025 that Kenya had cooperated with Ugandan authorities. This comes as the matter is also before the East African Court of Justice in Reference No. 56 of 2024, filed by Besigye and three others against the Attorneys General of Kenya and Uganda.
The case has gained attention in Nairobi, where demonstrations have been held calling for Besigye's release. Eron also raised the case of Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti, who was reported missing after taking part in demonstrations calling for Besigye's release. Muteti was subsequently found alive in Lukenya on Friday. Eron's statement comes as Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, met Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.
During the meeting, Byanyima said she raised her husband's continued detention. Eron stated that President Ruto must use Kenya's full diplomatic standing to secure Besigye's unconditional release and medical evacuation. The lawyer also emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Besigye's transfer should be addressed through legal and diplomatic processes.
The East African Court of Justice is yet to make a ruling on Reference No. 56 of 2024. Eron's call for an independent inquiry into Besigye's transfer is part of a broader effort to address the circumstances surrounding his detention. The case has sparked concerns about the involvement of Kenyan and Ugandan authorities in Besigye's transfer.
President Ruto's administration has yet to respond to Eron's statement. However, the Kenyan government has previously stated that it is working to resolve the matter. The case has strained relations between Kenya and Uganda, with Eron urging Ruto to take a more proactive role in securing Besigye's release.
The situation remains uncertain, with Besigye's detention continuing to draw attention from human rights groups and the international community. Eron's statement has renewed calls for action to be taken to secure Besigye's release and address the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Key points
- - The lawyer cited previous statements by Kenyan officials concerning the case. - Eron also called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Besigye's transfer. - Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, met Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.
