The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is mulling over suspending of admission of advocates from Uganda Law Society following rejection of Martha Karua’s application for a temporary practicing certificate to represent Ugandan Opposition Leader Kiiza Bessigye and Obeid Lutale before the General Cour Martial in Kampala.
In a press stamen released in Nairobi, the LSK President Faith Odhiambo has warned that the LSK will not tolerate any more insincere and non-reciprocal practice by Ugandan counterparts so as to protect legal practice in Kenya.
“To further protect the integrity of the 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,” read the statement.
Mrs Odhiambo warned that it can no longer be acceptable or commonplace that Kenya takes outright disrespect lying down.
“We must either find a symbiotic, reciprocal and formal engagements that promotes the interest of all parties, or preserve the dignity of Kenyan legal practice by withdrawing from lopsided arrangements marred with non-committal and disingenuity.
The statement added that Kenyan lawyers continue to face unreasonable constraints to practice in the neighbouring countries.
President Odhiambo termed the decision by the Law Council of Uganda as “High handed” and stresses that the decision not only offends the cooperation that exists between the Kenyan and Uganda Bar, but the manner in which it was communicated and the reasons given thereof as ludicrous and distasteful.
It is therefore 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.
