Ugandan Lawyers Could Be Banned In Kenya Following Martha Karua’s Rejection

The Law Society of Kenya has threatened to ban Ugandan attorneys from practicing in Kenya after Uganda barred former Justice Minister Martha Karua from representing opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.

In a sharply worded statement made on Tuesday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the Uganda Law Council’s decision to refuse Karua a temporary permit to represent the opposition leader as

“derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed.”

According to Odhiambo, LSK will consider suspending Ugandan lawyers as hostilities escalate.

“To further protect the integrity of legal practice in Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya is actively considering, after necessary consultations, the suspension of admission of advocates from the Uganda Law Society until such a time as reciprocal arrangements are appreciated and implemented,” warned Odhiambo.

She added, “This measure, though regrettable, is necessary to uphold the dignity and equity of Kenyan legal practice.”

On Monday, the Uganda Law Council (ULC) dismissed Karua’s plea for a provisional practicing license.

The permit would allow the Iron Lady to represent Besigye in the contentious matter before the General Court Martial, where he is charged with illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm while in Kenya.

According to Karua, ULC indicated in a letter dated December 6 that her application did not comply with the modified Advocates Act, Chapter 295, and chastised her for failing to meet the updated requirements.It noted,

“The application was not brought under the current Advocates Act, and the advocate was not properly advised about the amendment to the Act.”

However, LSK now claims that the judgment not only violates the mutual collaboration between the Kenyan and Ugandan bars but that the way in which it was conveyed and the grounds offered for it 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,” stated LSK President.