BETRAYED AT MIDNIGHT: HOW KENYA SOLD OUT KIZZA BESIGYE TO MUSEVENI

 For decades, Kenya has been seen as a beacon of hope for political exiles and dissidents fleeing persecution. But in a shocking turn of events, the Kenyan government stands accused of betraying Uganda’s iconic opposition leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, into the hands of the very regime he has spent his life fighting. This is not just a diplomatic blunder—it is a calculated sellout that has shattered Kenya’s credibility as a refuge for democracy fighters.

The Midnight Abduction in Nairobi

On November 16, 2024, in Nairobi’s Riverside area, Dr. Kizza Besigye was snatched by unidentified operatives in what has been described as a covert, well-coordinated mission. The abduction took place in Kenya’s capital, miles away from Uganda’s border, making it clear that this was not just another cross-border arrest—it was a deliberate act of betrayal.

Ugandan officials claim that Besigye was arrested with Kenya’s full knowledge and approval. Meanwhile, Kenya’s government, led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, has denied involvement, calling it an unauthorized act. But how does one of East Africa’s most recognized political figures vanish from the streets of Nairobi without state complicity? The math does not add up.

A Nation’s Reputation in Tatters

Kenya has long been seen as a safe harbor for opposition figures from Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and beyond. The country has hosted dissidents who sought refuge from political persecution, standing as a defender of human rights in the region.

However, the Besigye case exposes a growing trend: Kenya’s willingness to appease dictatorial neighbors at the expense of justice and human rights. The betrayal of Besigye is not just about one man—it is a chilling warning to every activist, journalist, and opposition leader who once believed Kenya was a sanctuary.

The Show Trial and Military Oppression

Following his forced return to Uganda, Besigye was swiftly dragged before a military court, facing trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and treachery—offenses that carry severe penalties, including the possibility of execution. This comes despite a ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional. The blatant disregard for this decision highlights the dictatorship’s iron grip on justice.

Amnesty International and other human rights groups have condemned this trial, calling for Besigye’s immediate release. However, with Kenyan hands tainted in this betrayal, calls for justice ring hollow.

The Ugly Truth Behind the Betrayal

Why would Kenya, a country that prides itself on democratic values, stoop so low? The answer likely lies in regional politics, trade interests, and backdoor deals between Kenya’s President and Museveni’s regime. Uganda remains a key trading partner for Kenya, and Museveni wields significant influence in East Africa. Was Besigye a pawn sacrificed for political and economic convenience?

Kenyan political analyst Barack Muluka didn’t mince words when he said, "We currently lack a foreign policy. This is the lowest point we’ve reached. As a country, we are not only complicit but also guilty for what is happening to him."

The Silence of African Leaders

One of the most disturbing aspects of this betrayal is the deafening silence from African leaders. Kenya’s President has offered nothing but vague statements, while the African Union continues to ignore the blatant injustice unfolding under its watch. Meanwhile, East Africans who once believed in regional unity are left wondering if Pan-Africanism is nothing more than a political mirage.

Final Thoughts: Kenya’s Historic Stain

The abduction and handover of Kizza Besigye is a disgraceful moment in Kenya’s history—one that will not be forgotten. It is a betrayal not just of Besigye, but of the principles of justice, asylum, and human rights that Kenya once upheld.

If Kenya does not take immediate steps to rectify this wrong, it risks becoming nothing more than a puppet state—one that bends to the will of despots at the cost of its own integrity. And for every dissident who once thought they were safe within Kenya’s borders, the message is now painfully clear: you are only safe until it is no longer convenient for the government.

History will remember this betrayal. The only question is, will Kenyans rise up and demand better before it is too late?