Human rights groups led by Amnesty International Kenya on Monday organised protests in solidarity with veteran Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, who is facing treason charges.
The demonstrations started at the Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi’s CBD to demand the release of Besigye.
Besigye has been in detention since he was taken back to Uganda to face a military trial.
The 68-year-old, who appeared frail, ended a hunger strike at Luzira Maximum Security Prison on Friday after the Ugandan authorities decided to charge him in a civilian court.
He was charged with treason and concealment of treason, but the court declined to allow him to enter a plea because the offences can only be tried by a higher court.
The court further rejected his lawyer's pleas that he be transferred to the hospital to help him recover from ill health stemming from a hunger strike.
However, he remains in custody as new treason charges have been filed against him and his political associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The case was adjourned to March 7.
Other organisations that participated in the demos in Nairobi included Vocal Africa, Centre for Strategic Litigation (CSL), Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), East Africa Law Society, Change Tanzania Movement and Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union.
