Nairobi, once a beacon of hope for asylum seekers across the world, is now under scrutiny as a hub of abductions and forced repatriations.
The disappearance of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, has reignited fears about the safety of refugees in Kenya’s capital.
According to his family, Dr. Besigye was abducted on Saturday in Nairobi and is believed to be under military detention in Uganda. Bobi Wine, another leading opposition figure, decried the incident as a grave violation of human rights.
“We are back to the dark days when Ugandans were casually picked from the streets of Nairobi and returned to Uganda to be tortured, jailed, and others executed,” Wine lamented, recalling the recent forced return of 36 activists from Kenya to Uganda.
The crisis isn’t confined to Ugandan asylum seekers. Last month, four Turkish refugees were forcibly deported from Nairobi at the request of Turkey, where they face treason charges. Masked men reportedly seized the individuals—recognized as refugees by the United Nations—at gunpoint. Rights groups condemned the move, accusing Kenya of breaching the principle of “non-refoulement,” which forbids returning individuals to countries where they face persecution.
“As we call for his immediate release, we condemn this blatant abuse of the law by the regime here in Uganda, and sadly the authorities in Kenya. We are back to the dark days when Ugandans were casually picked from the streets of Nairobi and returned to Uganda to be tortured, jailed and others executed,” Bobi Wine said
Kenya’s reputation as a regional sanctuary has suffered. US CIA Chief William Burns and UK MI6 Head Richard Moore reportedly raised concerns over the deportations during their recent visit to Nairobi. Senior foreign ministry official Korir Sing’oei acknowledged the diplomatic and humanitarian complexities, citing Kenya’s ties with Turkey and other allies.
Critics, however, argue that prioritizing geopolitical alliances over human rights undermines Kenya’s legacy. With over 800,000 refugees from conflict zones like South Sudan and Eritrea, Kenya has long been a safe haven. Yet, mounting reports of abductions and deportations are reshaping that narrative, leaving many asylum seekers uncertain of their safety.
Activists warn that Kenya’s growing reputation as a no-go zone for refugees could have long-lasting consequences for its humanitarian standing in the region.
