The Open Society Foundations has condemned the arbitrary detention of its Managing Director of Programs, Brian Kagoro, by Kenyan authorities.
Kagoro was held for over ten hours after arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Sunday night.
During this time, he was questioned, denied entry, and eventually sent back to Johannesburg. The foundation reports that no formal charges were filed and no written explanation was provided for his deportation following questioning by national intelligence officers.
“Kagoro has never been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence,” the statement said. “The removal order authorising the air carrier to ferry him back to South Africa cites Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which pertains to documentation-related offences.”
The organisation also rejected claims that Kagoro was involved in supporting political unrest in Kenya, describing him as a respected constitutional lawyer and committed Pan-Africanist.
“We categorically reject as baseless the allegations citing unnamed sources, that Kagoro was involved in financing or coordinating political unrest in Kenya. No evidence has been presented to support these defamatory claims,” the foundation said.
It stressed that it has never organised or funded political protests. “Our work in Kenya, as elsewhere, supports lawful civic engagement and accountable governance,” the statement continued, stating that it has followed Kenyan laws and is seeking official clarification.
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