Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna have called for the immediate release of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, condemning his detention as unconstitutional and unjust.
Besigye is currently detained and facing court-martial proceedings in Uganda following his abduction in Nairobi on November 16, 2024.
Speaking during a Senate session on February 19, 2025, Senator Khalwale urged the Kenyan Parliament to take a firm stand on behalf of Besigye, emphasizing his long-standing contribution to democracy in Uganda.
“Let it go on record that it is the wish of the Senate of Kenya that Besigye, who has long served in Uganda in the Office of the Leader of Opposition, be set free,” Khalwale stated.
He reminisced about his connection with Besigye, reflecting on their time at the University of Nairobi when Besigye was a medical doctor working in the city.
“We drank from his extensive knowledge as a medical scientist, and he has remained a friend. The last time I was with him was during his last visit to Kenya,” Khalwale added.
Deep concern
Speaking during the same Senate session, Senator Sifuna echoed Khalwale’s sentiments, expressing deep concern over Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi and subsequent handover to Ugandan authorities.
He condemned Uganda’s defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that declared Besigye’s trial unconstitutional.
“It causes me great embarrassment as a Kenyan that we handed over Kizza Besigye, who is a personal friend of mine, to the authorities in Uganda despite the fact the Supreme Court of Uganda has said that the trial is unconstitutional and should be discontinued,” Sifuna stated.
Drawing comparisons between the political environments of Kenya and Uganda, Sifuna highlighted Kenya’s robust constitutional protections for opposition leaders, while warning against what he perceives as attempts to reverse these democratic gains.
“As a leader of opposition in Kenya, I recognize how easy it is here because we are protected by a robust constitution that grants us the freedom to speak, associate, and exercise our choices,” Sifuna said.
“Unfortunately for our friends in Uganda, some people in Kenya are trying to drag us back to the dark days of dictatorship. It is shameful and painful that Kizza Besigye is facing an illegal and unconstitutional court-martial,” he added.
The Nairobi lawmaker pledged support for democratic principles throughout the region.
“The delegation from Uganda should know that you have brothers in Kenya who will stand on guard to ensure that we free Kizza Besigye and restore Kenya as a safe haven for all people who believe in democracy,” Sifuna assured.
Besigye’s condition
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife, stated on her X account on February 18, 2025, that she found him weak, dizzy, and having lost significant weight during her visit to the prison where he is being held.
She expressed her pain at seeing her husband in such a humiliating condition and demanded his immediate release, describing the detention center as a place used for holding terrorists.
“Besigye is weak, has lost alarming weight, and is dizzy—he hasn’t eaten in 5 days. This is not just illegal detention, it is kidnapping. I am outraged and demand that (President) Kaguta Museveni and his son, the army chief, release him immediately. He is a citizen with rights—just like them!” Winnie stated.
