Human rights activists took to the streets of Nairobi on Monday, February 24, 2025, demanding the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a Ugandan opposition leader facing treason charges. The peaceful protest, organized by Amnesty International Kenya, Vocal Africa, and other civil society groups, started at Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi’s CBD before proceeding to Parliament Buildings and the Ugandan High Commission.

Besigye, who was abducted in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, has been in detention since he was forcibly taken to Uganda to face a military trial. Following weeks of pressure, his case was transferred to a civilian court, but he remains in custody as new treason charges have been filed against him and his political ally Hajj Obeid Lutale. His case has now been adjourned to March 7, 2025.

During the protest, activists delivered a petition to Parliament, urging the Kenyan government to acknowledge and investigate cross-border abductions and renditions. Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo received the petition and condemned the rising autocratic tendencies in East Africa.

Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa called on lawmakers to act, saying, “Parliament should urgently summon national security organs to explain the justice and accountability measures taken to investigate the reported abduction and rendition of Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale.”

Amnesty International’s Irungu Houghton warned that failure to act on Besigye’s case could set a dangerous precedent for the region.

“Our petition calls for an inquiry into why Besigye was abducted and forcibly taken to court on trumped-up charges. If we remain silent, we normalize human rights abuses in East Africa,” he stated.

The protest also drew participation from groups such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU), the Centre for Strategic Litigation (CSL), and Change Tanzania Movement.

Calls for Besigye’s release are intensifying, with citizens rallying under the hashtag #FreeKizzaBesigye on social media.