National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) party leader Martha Karua faced a procedural hurdle on Monday, December 2, as she was unable to represent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye at the General Court Martial.
Karua, who is set to lead Besigye’s defense team, revealed that she had not yet received a special practicing certificate from the Law Council of Uganda, a requirement for her to participate in the ongoing case.
Speaking to the media, Karua confirmed visiting the Ugandan Law Council alongside Besigye’s legal team to follow up on her application for temporary accreditation. Despite the urgency of the matter, Karua disclosed that her request was still under review.
“I held a telephone call with Justice Irene Mulyagonja, who assured me she would look into the matter and provide feedback as early as December 3,” Karua stated.
“I have pleaded that they expedite the process because the case is already underway, and I cannot address the court without approval.”
Karua may have to wait an additional day before being able to represent Besigye in court.
The NARC leader emphasized that the case has garnered attention from senior legal minds across Kenya and the African continent, expressing confidence in the solidarity among Pan-African advocates.
“There are many other advocates from Kenya, some even more senior than me, and others as far as Nigeria, who are willing to join the defense,” Karua noted. “Our Pan-African opposition leaders’ solidarity network, which Besigye is a part of and I coordinate, is working to bring lawyers from across Africa to support this case.”
Karua traveled to Uganda to lead a team of 50 lawyers defending Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, who were allegedly abducted in Nairobi on November 16 while attending Karua’s book launch.
Besigye and Lutale were allegedly abducted in Nairobi on November 16, where they were expected to attend the book launch of Martha Karua
Besigye and Lutale were arrested in Nairobi and charged with unlawful firearm possession.
