A Month of Injustice: The Kidnapping and Charging of 35 FDC Leaders

More than a month has passed since the violent kidnapping of 35 leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and a Kenya-registered refugee by Ugandan security forces, with the reported assistance of Kenya’s military and security personnel. The incident occurred at a Catholic center in Kisumu, Kenya, where the leaders were preparing to hold a training workshop. The subsequent charging of these individuals with “terrorism” is not only alarming but also a blatant violation of both Kenyan and international law.

The kidnapping of these leaders from Kisumu, a city known for its relative tranquility and respect for human rights, has sent shockwaves through the region. Media reports indicate that the Kenya Police Commissioner for the Nyanza region, where Kisumu is located, denied any knowledge of such an operation. Similarly, the Governor of Kisumu, upon hearing of the incident, expressed his dismay and called for an immediate investigation into the matter.

The involvement of Kenyan security forces in this operation is a grave concern. It raises serious questions about the extent to which sovereign laws and international agreements are being disregarded. Kenya, as a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU), has a duty to uphold the rights and freedoms of individuals within its borders. The forced return of these individuals to Uganda under such dubious circumstances is a severe breach of this responsibility.

In the wake of the kidnapping, the FDC leadership made a formal representation to the Kenyan government through the Kenya High Commissioner in Uganda, seeking information and accountability regarding the incident. Shockingly, more than two weeks have passed without any response. This silence is not only disturbing but also indicative of a deeper issue within the region’s governance structures.

The refusal or failure to address such a grave violation of human rights undermines the very principles upon which the EAC and AU were founded. It erodes trust in these institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for how political dissent and human rights issues are handled across the continent.

The decision to charge the kidnapped leaders with “terrorism” is a clear attempt to weaponize the law against political opponents. In Uganda, terrorism is a capital offense, making it extremely difficult for the accused to secure bail within six months. This tactic is often used to stifle dissent and keep political opponents in prolonged detention without trial. It is a misuse of the judicial system that further highlights the repressive environment in which the FDC and other opposition groups operate.

The use of such charges is not just a violation of the rights of the individuals involved; it is a direct affront to the principles of justice and the rule of law. It is imperative that these charges be scrutinized and that the individuals involved are granted their right to a fair trial, if not immediately released.

This incident calls into question the role and effectiveness of regional bodies such as the EAC and AU. These organizations have a responsibility to ensure that their member states adhere to the rule of law and respect human rights. The silence of these bodies in the face of such blatant violations is unacceptable.

The EAC, in particular, should take immediate steps to address this issue, as it directly impacts the rights and freedoms of East African citizens. The AU, with its mandate to promote peace, security, and stability across the continent, must also intervene to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents do not occur again.

As the days turn into weeks, the fate of the 35 FDC leaders and the Kenya-registered refugee remains uncertain. The charges against them are not only baseless but are also a clear attempt to suppress political opposition and silence dissent. The international community, particularly the EAC and AU, must take a stand against these injustices.

The Kenyan government must also be held accountable for its role in this incident. It must respond to the formal representation made by the FDC and ensure that those responsible for this violation of human rights are brought to justice. The people of East Africa deserve better, and it is incumbent upon all relevant institutions to ensure that justice is served and that the rights and freedoms of individuals are upheld.

The eyes of the world are watching, and the silence of those in power will not go unnoticed. It is time for action, accountability, and justice for the kidnapped FDC leaders and the Kenya-registered refugee.