Human rights groups have accused Kenya of colluding with foreign governments to abduct political dissidents.
The criticism follows the recent abduction and rendition of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was seized in Nairobi and transported to a Ugandan prison.
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and executive director of UNAIDS, revealed that her husband was forcibly taken on November 16.
This incident adds to a growing list of renditions allegedly facilitated by Kenyan authorities, drawing global condemnation.
Amnesty International’s Tigere Chagutah expressed concern over what he called a disturbing trend.
“This is not the first time a foreign dissident has been abducted on Kenyan soil,” Chagutah stated.
“It is part of a growing and worrying trend of transnational repression with governments violating human rights beyond their borders.”
Kenya’s government, however, has denied involvement.
“We aren’t aware of any abduction at all as a government,” said Isaac Mwaura, a spokesman for the government.
The Department for Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.
Recurring Patterns of Renditions
The Besigye case is just the latest in a series of similar incidents tied to Kenya.
In 2021, Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu was abducted in Nairobi and secretly flown to Nigeria.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faced terrorism charges upon his arrival in Nigeria.
Reports claimed that Kanu, a British citizen, was tortured during his detention and denied legal protections.
Ernest Cornell of the Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned these actions, saying they tarnish Kenya’s reputation.
“Kenya’s actions show a pattern of pandering to other governments at the expense of human rights,” Cornell said.
“Even if a request is made, we should weigh its constitutionality.”
The case of Besigye is particularly troubling due to his long-standing opposition to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Besigye has faced repeated arrests and mistreatment in Uganda for his criticism of Museveni’s regime.
He is now being held at Luzira Prison in Kampala, a facility notorious for its harsh conditions.
Kenya’s Troubling History
Kenya’s alleged role in facilitating renditions is not new.
In 1999, Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan was captured in Nairobi and handed over to Turkey.
Ocalan, a prominent political figure, was later sentenced to life imprisonment in Turkey.
More recently, Ethiopian businessman Samson Teklemichael was abducted by unknown assailants in Kenya in 2021.
Teklemichael has not been seen since, and his family has received no updates about his whereabouts.
Critics argue that Kenya’s actions not only violate international law but also undermine its own legal system.
“These incidents show a disregard for the rule of law,” said Cornell.
“They raise serious questions about Kenya’s commitment to human rights.”
International Outcry
The rendition of Nnamdi Kanu sparked widespread international criticism, particularly from human rights groups and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Kanu’s lawyers described his detention as illegal and demanded accountability from both Nigerian and Kenyan authorities.
The current allegations involving Besigye are expected to draw similar outrage.
Human rights organizations have called for thorough investigations into Kenya’s role in these incidents.
“This cannot continue unchecked,” said Chagutah.
“Governments must be held accountable for violating human rights under the guise of diplomacy.”
Kenya’s Response in Question
The Kenyan government has remained largely silent on these accusations, fueling further speculation.
