Matiang’i Warns Against Arrest of Foreign Opposition Leaders in Kenya

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has renewed criticism of the handling of foreign opposition figures in Kenya, warning that the country should not allow neighbouring governments to pursue or arrest their political opponents on Kenyan soil.

Matiang’i said Kenya has a responsibility to protect its reputation as a country that respects the rule of law and maintains peaceful relations with its neighbours, rather than becoming a destination where foreign political opponents can be apprehended or taken out of the country.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary spoke on Saturday during the funeral service of Mwalimu Jackson Karua, father of People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, at Mugumo Primary School in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County.

With Ugandan, Tanzanian, Burundian and Zimbabwean nationals among those attending the funeral, Matiang’i singled out the treatment of opposition leaders from neighbouring countries who visit Kenya.

He particularly referred to the November 2024 disappearance of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye in Nairobi. Besigye went missing after arriving in Kenya for an event linked to Martha Karua before later appearing before a military court in Kampala. His family and lawyers described the incident as an abduction, while the Kenyan government denied involvement.

Matiang’i said the incident should not be regarded as representative of Kenya’s values or its relationship with Uganda.

He urged Ugandans attending the funeral to take the message back home that Kenya should remain a safe and respectful environment for visitors, including political figures from neighbouring countries.

The former Interior CS also recalled his tenure under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying the administration resisted pressure to allow foreign governments to arrest opposition figures while they were in Kenya.

Matiang’i said some opposition leaders from neighbouring countries travelled to Kenya for legitimate reasons, including medical treatment, and argued that their presence should not automatically expose them to political persecution or arrest by their home governments.

The Besigye case became a major regional controversy after he disappeared in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, and was later presented before Uganda’s General Court Martial. Ugandan authorities charged him with security-related offences and possession of firearms, allegations he denied. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary at the time said Kenya had no role in his arrest.

Matiang’i’s remarks therefore put the spotlight on Kenya’s role in protecting foreign political figures within its territory and the broader question of cross-border security operations involving opposition leaders.

He maintained that Kenya has no quarrel with opposition leaders in neighbouring countries and should instead maintain respectful relations with their governments and citizens.

The former Interior CS further pledged that, under his leadership, Kenya would not permit the country to be used for actions against foreign political opponents.

His remarks come amid renewed political activity across the region and ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with opposition parties seeking greater cooperation.

For Matiang’i, however, the issue extends beyond Kenya’s domestic politics, touching on the country’s regional reputation and its responsibility to ensure that foreign nationals within its borders are treated according to the law