Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party and Senior Counsel, recently shared her experience at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, where officials denied her entry despite prior clearance.
Karua traveled to Uganda to support Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago during court proceedings linked to opposition figures Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale. She arrived at 8:50 a.m. on a Kenya Airways flight and went through the usual immigration process, only to be informed that a note had been issued for her denial of entry.
She was redirected to various officers, including the principal immigration officer, who confirmed that they had received instructions to refuse her entry. When asked to fill out a form, Karua declined and requested clarification of the legal basis for her detention. She noted that officials did not specify any laws she had violated, merely stating they were following orders.
Describing the situation, Karua recounted being taken to a side office by junior immigration officers, where she again refused to complete the form, asserting that her passport contained all necessary information and seeking legal clarification.
During the ordeal, one officer forcibly seized her phone while she attempted to reach contacts in Nairobi, and a second phone was later confiscated as well. She expressed concerns about the officers accessing her devices for unclear reasons.
The situation escalated until she was returned to the principal immigration officer, who cited “security” as the reason for her denial of entry and the confiscation of her phones. No written explanation or formal deportation order was provided.
Karua requested to wait in the Kenya Airways lounge, leveraging her membership privileges, but was informed that her passport would be retained until her flight. She eventually returned to Nairobi on a Kenya Airways flight.
Clarifying her visit’s purpose, Karua emphasized that she aimed to observe court proceedings and provide moral support, not to act as legal counsel. Her practicing license pertains only to Besigye and Lutale.
Upon her return, Karua expressed gratitude for the support she received from political leaders, legal bodies, civil society organizations, family, and friends, highlighting that this solidarity reflects a collective commitment to justice.
The East Africa Law Society condemned the incident, raising concerns about adherence to regional protocols on freedom of movement. Former Chief Justice David Maraga urged diplomatic discussions between Kenya and Uganda on the issue.
Karua stated that this incident raises significant questions about cross-border legal practices and movement within the East African Community. She reaffirmed her dedication to judicial accountability and regional collaboration, stressing the importance of upholding justice and human dignity.
