The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has threatened to suspend the admission of Ugandan advocates into Kenyan practice following the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Senior Counsel Martha Karua a temporary practicing certificate.
LSK through its president Faith Odhiambo stated it is actively considering the move until reciprocal arrangements are implemented.
“This measure, though regrettable, is necessary to uphold the dignity and equity of Kenyan legal practice,” Said LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
The LSK condemned the decision to bar Karua’s practice as derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed.
“We express our unqualified disenchantment with the derogatory, contemptuous, and highhanded decision taken by the Law Council of Uganda. This decision not only offends the mutual cooperation that exists between the Kenyan and Ugandan bar, but the manner in which it was communicated and the reasons given thereof are ludicrous and distasteful. It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, no less, a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar” Said Faith Odhiambo, LSK President
The Uganda Law Council’s letter, dated December 6, 2024, rejected Martha Karua’s application to represent opposition leader Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale before the General Court Martial in Kampala.
Security operatives picked up Besigye, facing a court martial over a series of alleged offenses including illegal gun possession, in Nairobi on November 16, took him to Uganda, and arraigned in a military court.
The LSK expressed “unqualified disenchantment” with the decision, terming it a setback to regional legal cooperation and respect between the Kenyan and Ugandan bars.
“The Law Society of Kenya joins issue with the decision in toto and asserts its unreserved support.”
Chama cha wanasheria Kenya kulipiza kisasi baada ya Uganda kumzuia Martha Karua kufanya kazi Uganda
hChanzo cha picha,Faith Odhiambo(@FaithOdhiambo8)/X
Chama cha wanasheria nchini Kenya (LSK), kimetishia kusimamisha uandikishaji wa mawakili wa Uganda kufanya kazi nchini Kenya kufuatia uamuzi wa Baraza la Sheria la Uganda kumnyima wakili wa ngazi ya juu wa Kenya na mwanasiasa Martha Karua cheti cha muda cha kufanya kazi.
LSK ilisema kuwa “inazingatia kikamilifu” hatua hiyo hadi mipango ya maelewano itakapotekelezwa.
“Hatua hii, ingawa inasikitisha, ni muhimu ili kudumisha utu na usawa wa sheria za Kenya,” Rais wa LSK Faith Odhiambo alisema katika taarifa yenye maneno makali siku ya Jumanne.
LSK ililaani uamuzi wa kumzuia Martha Karua kufanya kama “ya kudhalilisha, dharau, na ya kupita kiasi.”
Barua ya Baraza la sheria la Uganda, ya Desemba 6, 2024, ilikataa ombi la Karua kuwawakilisha kiongozi wa upinzani Kiiza Besigye na Obeid Lutale mbele ya Mahakama Kuu ya Kivita mjini Kampala.
Maafisa wa usalama walimchukua Besigye, akikabiliwa na mahakama ya kijeshi kutokana na msururu wa makosa yanayodaiwa kujumuisha kumiliki bunduki kinyume cha sheria, mjini Nairobi mnamo Novemba 16, na kumpeleka Uganda, na kufikishwa katika mahakama ya kijeshi.
