The #FreeBobiWine campaign was global but no country did as much as neighbouring Kenya. From human rights activists to the media and to Parliament, their voice was unequivocally heard.
Some Kenyan lawmakers even threatened to come to Kampala and stage demonstrations until President Museveni’s regime was removed.
This, however, did not go down well with the Ugandan government and now, the minister for East African Affairs in Kampala has written to the Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament demanding an apology from the legislators for allegedly abusing President Yoweri Museveni.
“We have written through the speaker of parliament to address her fellow Speaker of Kenya so that they can make these MPs of Kenya to understand the rules of procedure and the diplomatic relationships and the messages that should be done especially when they are meant to address issues that pertain to the [other] state,” Julius Maganda Wandera, the State Minister, East African Affairs said.
He said further that of the Kenyan Speaker does not take any action, the ministry would seek redress from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The arrest and torture of Bobi Wine and 32 others attracted global condemnation and sparked off protests in the US, Germany, Japan, South Africa, the UK, Canada among other countries.
The Arua 33 – as they have come to be known – were released on bail on August 27 and are being charged with treason for allegedly pelting stones at the presidential convoy with intent to harm him.