LSK Mulls Blocking Ugandan Lawyers in Kenya After Martha Karua Rejection

Azimio Leader and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
Daily Nation

The Law Society of Kenya threatened to stop Ugandan lawyers from practicing in Kenya after Uganda stopped former Justice Minister Martha Karua from representing opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo termed the decision by the Uganda Law Council to deny Karua a temporary permit to represent the opposition chief as "derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed.

According to Odhiambo, LSK will begin considering suspending Ugandan lawyers in what will be an escalation of hostilities. “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.”

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo addressing the press.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo addressing the press.
Photo
Faith Odhiambo

On Monday, the Uganda Law Council (ULC) denied an application from Karua seeking a temporary practicing license. The permit would allow the Iron Lady to represent Besigye in the controversial case before the General Court Martial, where he's charged with illegal possession of ammunition and a firearm while in Kenya.

According to Karua, ULC, in a letter dated December 6, stated that her application was not compliant with the amended Advocates Act, Chapter 295, and faulted her for not adhering to 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 says the 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,” stated LSK President.

LSK now threatens to reiterate suspending licenses of Ugandan lawyers practicing in Kenya. “It can no longer be acceptable or commonplace that we take outright disrespect lying down,” stated the lawyer's body.

The body has asserted that it will be engaging the Attorney General to end the cross-border practice.

“We must either find a symbiotic, reciprocal, and formal engagement that promotes the interests of all parties, or preserve the dignity of the Kenyan legal practice by withdrawing from lopsided arrangements marred with non-committal and disingenuity,” stated Odhiambo.

A collage of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and a wide-angled picture of Nairobi, Wednesday, November 20.
A collage of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and a wide-angled picture of Nairobi, Wednesday, November 20.
Photo
Canva, Courtesy
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