Kisumu County Governor H.E Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyongo condemned the manner in which 36 Forum for Democratic Change, Katonga activists were violently arrested by both Kenya and Uganda security personnel.
In an August 1, 2024, statement issued by Prof. Nyang, the governor, challenged the Kenyan Police to clarify why they were involved in the attack and expeditious deportation of the said Ugandans and the motive behind their arrest which he deemed violent.
He added that, much as the Kisumu county government had no connection and involvement in the welfare and training where the suspects were taking part, the violence meted against them while in their territory was uncalled for, condemn-able and regrettable.
Prof. added that breaking into hotel rooms, assaulting, arresting, and driving the unarmed suspects in the wee hours of the night foreigners in the middle of the night was a gross violation of basic human rights.
It is said that, before the July 23, 2024 incident, the activists are believed to have travelled to Kisumu Kenya for a 2 days leadership training, one of the regular exercise undertaken by the party to sharpen its leaders and activists.
According to Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s communication immediately after the incident said that the activists had just concluded a meeting at the Ukweli Pastoral Centre on the outskirts of Kisumu City on July 23, 2024.
The 36 suspects were aligned before Nakawa Magistrates Court and charged with terrorism and subsequently remanded to Luzira and Kitalya Prisons, respectively.
They include 33 men, namely Ronald Muhinda (Besigye’s Personal Assistant), Makokha Samuel, Rutarorndwa Simon, Dr. Okello George Ekwaro, Nkonge Charles, Kawanguzi Paul, Nasur Din Basalirwa, Waiswa Latif Maido, Bukenya Charles Lwanga, Kitamirike Mbago Buyinza, Kasera John Mangeni, Bukenya Hakim, Olinga Sozi Peter, Obang Walter, Cankara Moses Mwaka, Kaigo Yosia, Wanzige George, Museveni Innocent Rubarondesa, Nakibinge Eddward Wassajja, Mpungu Henry, Naguba Ronald Kasozi, Beinomugisha Adios Denmark, Tugabirwe Richard, Okelo Sirino, Ahimbisibwe Owen, Nsubuga Simon Peter, Wakabi Adam, Kimonge Conold, Buyondo Henry, Ngobi Fairuzi, Owamani Robert, Kugumisiriza Arthur and Owachigiu Dennis Nono.
The 3 women include Lalam Florence, Nalunkuuma Grace, and Apare Sarah.
By Mukose Arnold Anthony