The Senior Counsel Bar of Kenya has condemned the detention of Martha Karua by Ugandan authorities at Entebbe International Airport, describing the move as unlawful and a direct assault on the administration of justice in East Africa.
In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, the lawyers’ body said Karua was being held incommunicado and denied access to her lawyers, defence team and family while facing possible deportation from Uganda.
According to the statement, Karua had travelled to Uganda to attend a court mention and bail ruling involving opposition politician Erias Lukwago.
The Senior Counsel Bar argued that preventing an advocate from representing a client undermines the rule of law and interferes with the administration of justice. It further stated that the detention violates rights guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution, the East African Community Treaty and international law, including the rights to liberty, fair hearing, legal representation and consular access.
The organization demanded Karua’s immediate release and called for unrestricted access to her by her lawyers, family members and Kenyan diplomatic officials. It also urged Ugandan authorities to suspend any deportation plans until lawful procedures are followed and written reasons are provided.
The lawyers’ body welcomed interventions by legal organizations across the region and called on diplomatic missions, the international community and relevant United Nations bodies to urgently intervene in the matter.
Senior Counsel Bar Chairman Philip Murgor said Karua should be allowed to carry out her professional duties as an advocate accredited to appear before Ugandan courts without interference.
