Police Brace for Nairobi Protests Demanding Kizza Besigye’s Release
Nairobi is bracing for a wave of protests on February 24, as citizens and activists demand the immediate release of Ugandan politician Dr. Kizza Besigye. These demonstrations come after Besigye’s controversial detention by Ugandan authorities, who have held him for the past three months. Besigye, a key opposition leader and longtime critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, was abducted during a visit to Kenya in November 2024 and subsequently taken to Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala, Uganda.
His arrest has sparked outrage both in Uganda and across East Africa, with protests erupting in various cities. The protests in Nairobi are set to coincide with similar demonstrations across the region, all aimed at urging the Ugandan government to release Besigye and other political prisoners. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has joined the protest, alongside several other organizations.
The protesters are set to gather at multiple locations in Nairobi, including Aga Khan Walk, where they will begin their march toward the Parliament Buildings. The demonstration is expected to start at 10 am, with the second group of protesters gathering at 2 pm at Riverside before heading to the Ugandan High Commission.
These planned protests come on the heels of mounting calls from human rights activists, lawyers, and medical professionals who have condemned the Ugandan government’s actions. As the day draws closer, Kenyan police are preparing for a heavy security presence to manage any potential unrest.
Police on High Alert for Nairobi Protests
The Nairobi police have confirmed their readiness to manage the upcoming protests. Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah stated that officers had been mobilized, and anti-riot units were already stationed at key locations, including the Ugandan embassy, State House, and Parliament Buildings. The authorities are taking no chances, preparing for potential clashes by positioning water cannons and deploying additional officers if necessary. The presence of anti-riot police highlights the level of concern surrounding these protests, especially considering the sensitive nature of the issue at hand. Authorities are particularly focused on maintaining peace and preventing violence, should the protests escalate.
Despite the heavy police presence, several organizations have vowed to go ahead with the protests. KMPDU, which represents a large portion of the medical community in Kenya, has been vocal about its commitment to attending the demonstration. The union’s statement on social media read, “Mon, Feb 24 – Demand freedom for Dr. Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, Eron Kiiza & all Ugandan political prisoners.” Other groups, including human rights organizations and lawyers, have echoed similar calls, stressing the need for Besigye’s release and for Uganda to respect the rule of law. The growing support for these protests indicates the widespread outrage over the treatment of political prisoners in Uganda.
Growing Support for Kizza Besigye’s Release
The calls for Besigye’s release have been gaining momentum not only in Uganda but also in Kenya and other East African countries. In Kenya, human rights activists have been outspoken about the injustice of holding political leaders like Besigye without due process. The protests have been organized by a coalition of over 12 organizations, each of which has committed to marching in solidarity. These groups argue that Besigye’s detention is politically motivated and that the Ugandan government has violated his rights. Besigye’s abduction while on a visit to Kenya further complicates the situation, with critics accusing the Ugandan government of breaching international law by kidnapping a foreign national.
Besigye, who has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition movement for years, has faced several attempts on his freedom and safety. His legal troubles stem from charges of treason, illegal possession of firearms, and threatening national security. Despite these charges, many believe that Besigye’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown on dissent by Ugandan authorities. His health has also become a cause for concern, as reports indicate that he was recently hospitalized after going on a hunger strike in protest of his imprisonment. His supporters argue that these actions are a direct result of his unfair treatment by the Ugandan government and the need for international pressure to secure his release.
International Pressure Mounts in Uganda
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Uganda, particularly following the ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court on January 31, which declared the trial of civilians in a military court unconstitutional. The court’s decision was a significant victory for human rights advocates, as it called for the transfer of cases involving civilians to regular courts. However, the Ugandan government has rejected the ruling, stating that military trials are necessary to protect national security. This response has drawn criticism from various quarters, with human rights groups accusing the government of undermining the judiciary and denying citizens their basic rights.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Ugandan government has remained resolute in its stance. President Museveni, in a statement posted on social media, urged those demanding Besigye’s release to instead call for a speedy trial to establish the facts. Museveni argued that demands for Besigye’s release could lead to further instability and insecurity in the country. His comments have sparked further debates, with many questioning the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of its citizens. As the protests in Nairobi approach, the focus remains on the Ugandan government’s response and whether international pressure will be enough to secure Besigye’s freedom.
