By Ofwono George
The recent arrest of several Ugandan opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye, on Kenyan soil has badly strained the supposed brotherhood of East African nations. The picking up of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders in Kisumu just three months back, followed by Dr. Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi and later appearance before a Ugandan court martial, raises big questions about Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and the rule of law. Are we seeing a clear disregard for diplomatic ways, a planned working with an authoritarian regime, or just a big failure of regional systems to protect its people?
The arrest of Dr. Besigye, a well-known figure known for openly criticising President Museveni, along with the earlier arrests of FDC leaders, raises serious worries about political persecution. The accusations against them – especially the timing and how weak the charges seem – make people suspect that Kenyan authorities acted because of their Ugandan counterparts. These people, running away from political trouble in Uganda, sought safety in Kenya, only to be caught in cross-border political games.
This raises important questions. Is Kenya, under President William Ruto, becoming a tool for authoritarian regimes to hunt down political opponents? Does the idea of not interfering apply only to those already in power? What about the basic human right to seek asylum from political persecution?
The East African Community (EAC) was built on cooperation and mutual respect, aiming for free movement of people seeking opportunities and refuge. These arrests go against this aim. Are we seeing these basic principles being weakened? Is the EAC becoming a way to silence the opposition instead of helping regional development and human rights?
The seeming cooperation between the Kenyan and Ugandan governments shows a serious breach of trust, hurting regional unity. It questions the EAC’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Are East African leaders putting their own political survival before the well-being of their people?
Instead of supporting different political views and peaceful change, are we creating a region where people who disagree are silenced through intimidation and arrests across borders? This threatens regional stability and the EAC project.
We, the citizens of East Africa, demand answers. We demand a clear commitment from the Kenyan government to follow the EAC Charter and respect the rights of people seeking refuge.
Is this the East Africa we imagined – a community of respect and unity or a place where political persecution is helped by neighbours who are involved? The silence of the international community is also worrying. We must stand together to protect democracy and human rights before it’s too late.
The writer Ofwono George is a youth chairperson, Nyangole Subcounty (UPC) and Youth Advocate for Sociopolitical and Economic Justice
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