Open Society condemns deportation of Zimbabwean lawyer Brian Kagoro from Kenya

In a statement, the organisation said Kagoro was detained for more than 10 hours upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. According to Open Society, he was questioned by national intelligence officers and later denied entry into the country without being formally charged or provided with written reasons for the decision.

Authorities issued a removal order directing the airline to return him to Johannesburg, citing Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, a provision that relates to documentation-related offences. 

Open Society maintains that Kagoro has never been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence and described the move as lacking transparency and due process.

“Transparency and due process are essential principles in democratic societies,” the foundation said, adding that it has always complied with Kenya’s immigration laws and is seeking formal clarification through appropriate channels.

Kagoro was ejected from Kenya on allegations that he was involved in financing or coordinating political unrest in the country. 

Open Society categorically rejected the claims as baseless and defamatory, noting that no evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations.

"We categorically reject as baseless the allegations circulated by certain media outlets, citing unnamed sources, that Kagoro was involved in financing or coordinating political unrest in Kenya," said the foundation.

The society added: "Kagoro is a well-respected constitutional lawyer and Pan-Africanist with decades of experience working on governance, regional integration, global justice, and rule of law issues across Africa. He has lawfully resided in Kenya for extended periods over the past decade.