- Dr Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale have sued the Kenyan government over what they describe as an unlawful arrest and deportation.
- The Ugandan opposition figures say they were taken forcefully by men in plain clothes in Nairobi in November 2024.
- They claim they were driven to Uganda at night without going through any legal extradition process.
- In their petition, they allege violation of Kenya’s Constitution and disregard of territorial boundaries.
- The two were later detained at a military base and charged in a civilian court in Uganda.
- Kenyan authorities deny involvement, but Besigye points to Uganda’s public statements claiming cooperation.
Ugandan politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his close ally Obeid Lutale have moved to the Kenyan High Court, seeking justice after what they call an “illegal and forceful” arrest and deportation from Nairobi to Kampala. The incident happened in November 2024 during their visit to Kenya.
Through their legal team at James Njeri & Co. Advocates, they are challenging how they were taken back to Uganda. They argue that the incident not only violated Kenya’s Constitution but also undermined the country’s sovereignty. Their goal is to have the court officially declare the operation unlawful and in breach of Kenya’s Extradition laws.
According to the documents presented in court, Besigye and Lutale had arrived in Kenya legally through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They were set to attend a book launch organised by Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan opposition leader. But on November 16, they say they were kidnapped in Nairobi by plain-clothed men suspected to be Ugandan operatives pretending to be Kenyan police.
They were reportedly taken across the Kenya-Uganda border at night without undergoing any official extradition procedure. Besigye and Lutale later recognised the men as Ugandans after hearing them speak in Runyankore, a Ugandan dialect.
Once they reached Kampala, the two were locked up at the Makindye Military Barracks. They claim they were denied access to their lawyers, families, and even medical care. After days in custody, they were presented before a civilian court where they were charged with unlawful possession of firearms and treason.
Besigye and Lutale argue that their arrest was a politically motivated plan to silence dissent and bypass proper legal channels. They believe this was done with help from individuals within the Kenyan security forces.
Interestingly, Uganda’s ICT Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi had publicly claimed that the operation was carried out jointly with Kenya’s assistance. This adds weight to the duo’s claim that the act was a coordinated move by both countries. However, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei quickly distanced the government from any such operation.
Besigye’s team is now accusing Uganda of violating Kenya’s territorial integrity and ignoring legal procedures meant to protect foreign visitors.
In their High Court petition, Besigye and Lutale are demanding accountability. They want a clear declaration that the cross-border arrest was not only illegal but also a violation of their rights under Kenyan law. They say it’s important that justice is served to prevent future violations and protect Kenya’s legal system from political manipulation.
