Four Kenyans denied entry to Uganda

By Athman Amran

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Commissioner Hassan Omar was among four Kenyans who were denied entry into Uganda.

Omar, Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) Executive Director Hussein Khalid, Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims Coast Chairman, Muhdhar Khitamy, and Sam Mugochi had gone to intervene in the cases of 13 Kenyans detained in Ugandan jails over last July bombings in Kampala.

The 13, who include the executive director of Muslim Human Rights Forum (MHRF), Al-Amin Kimathi have been detained in Uganda in connection with the Kampala bombings that killed 74 people who were watching Fifa World Cup final.

DETAINED

Speaking to The Standard from Entebe Airport, Omar said they had arrived at the airport at 8.30am when airport security officers separated them from their colleagues.

"We learnt that orders to detain us and turn us back to Kenya came from Uganda’s Internal Affairs Ministry," Omar said.

The four were still at the airport by 2.30pm yesterday as arrangements for them to board a KQ flight back to Nairobi were being finalised.

Omar said four members of the group, led by lawyer Pheroze Nowrojee, are expected to meet Ugandan Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki today to discuss the rights of the detainees.

Omar said airport security officers did not explanation why they were unwanted in Uganda.

"I have no idea what information the Ugandan Government was given about us, but I am sure any information not to allow us into Uganda must have come from Kenya," Omar said.

He suspected this was because they have been vocal on human rights issues and could be in the bad books of Kenyan authorities.

Omar said the delegation had decided to go to Uganda because the Kenyan Government has done nothing to intervene on behalf of the 13 Kenyans detained in Uganda.

"The State has shown no support. There has been only lip service, especially from the Internal Security minister. The promise of intervention has been made, but they have been taking us in circles," Omar said.

He said the Kenyans have been detained in Ugandan jails for the last nine months without being charged.

Today’s meeting with the Ugandan CJ would seek to have Kenyan lawyers represent the detainees sent to Uganda in an operation by the two countries. Kimathi was arrested and detained when he had gone to represent those earlier detained.

"The Ugandan CJ has powers to give a general direction," Omar explained on why the team had sought audience with the CJ.

He said the delegation would seek authorisation to send Kenyan lawyers and guarantees on their security.