ADVERTISEMENT

Besigye held up at Nairobi airport as he backs Kenyan protesters

Ugandan opposition kingpin Col Dr Kizza Besigye was among the people stranded yesterday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in neighboring Kenya, while the capital Nairobi was rocked with violent antigovernmental protests.

Col Dr Kizza Besigye

It was not clear yet what Dr Besigye’s business was in Nairobi, but he was caught in a lengthy hold-up at the airport with hundreds of other passengers upon arrival.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another Ugandan passenger, John Tumwebaze confirmed being stuck in a queue with Besigye at the airport as they chatted about the ongoing riots.

Tumwebaze said the wait lasted at least one hour.

ADVERTISEMENT

On a lighter note I had a chat with ⁦(Dr Besigye) ⁩ and when I asked him where he was going he jokingly replied that he was going to Nairobi to join the protest,” he said.

It was not clear yet whether the civil action in the city disrupted the service at the airport.

Taking to social media this morning, Dr Besigye expressed support to the young Kenyans who took a costly stand against their government over controversial new tax proposals

I am in Nairobi and my heart goes out to all the Kenyans who’ve lost their lives and those injured as they protest against taxes imposed on them,” Besigye posted.

I am proud of all, especially, the young Gen Z, protesters that are valiantly facing guns and other lethal weapons demanding justice! Freedom & Justice come at a price, which we have to pay- sooner or later.

ADVERTISEMENT

At least 13 people were yesterday shot dead in the riots as protesters stormed the Kenyan parliament and set part of it ablaze.

An angry crowd broke through police lines to storm parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it ablaze.

Besigye also commented about the fire that was set on Uganda House during the riots.

ADVERTISEMENT

Over 30 people had to be evacuated from the building that underwent renovation recently and was set to be reopened on Friday, June 28.

Besigye supported a thorough investigation into the burning of Uganda House in Nairobi and for answers to be sought on why the building was targeted and who stands to benefit from its destruction.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulse.ug

Recommended articles

MP Ssegirinya to be flown to India; urges for privacy

MP Ssegirinya to be flown to India; urges for privacy

Minister proposes major salary cuts for MPs

Minister proposes major salary cuts for MPs

Enanga's moving speech as he leaves his role as police spokesman

Enanga's moving speech as he leaves his role as police spokesman

Minister Anite to join anti-corruption march to parliament

Minister Anite to join anti-corruption march to parliament

Mpuuga challenges Bobi Wine to national debate, mulls running for president

Mpuuga challenges Bobi Wine to national debate, mulls running for president

How Kenyan fooled the world that he was smoking teargas during protest

How Kenyan fooled the world that he was smoking teargas during protest

Pastor calls for barrenness, HIV on junior pastors who left church with members

Pastor calls for barrenness, HIV on junior pastors who left church with members

Biography: Meet Rusoke Kituuma, the new police spokesperson

Biography: Meet Rusoke Kituuma, the new police spokesperson

Hamis Kiggundu earns doctorate in global leadership at French university

Hamis Kiggundu earns doctorate in global leadership at French university

ADVERTISEMENT