Wetang'ula Lectures Karua in Video, Questions Her Competence: "You've Never Had Distinction in Law"

• National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula publicly condemned senior counsel Martha Karua for involving herself in Uganda and Tanzania affairs
• Wetang’ula said Karua has not made a notable legal impact in Kenya and urged her to refrain from interfering in the domestic affairs of neighbouring countries
• The criticism followed Karua and two activists’ deportation from Tanzania, where they went to observe a treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

In a bold move that has stirred political and legal circles, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has publicly criticised Senior counsel Martha Karua for crossing borders to represent opposition leaders.

Why did Wetang'ula criticise Karua's competence?

While speaking on Friday, May 30, in Mt. Elgon constituency, Wetang’ula sharply called out Karua, asserting that she has never achieved any notable distinction in the practice of law within Kenya.

The speaker questioned Karua’s decision to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Uganda, suggesting she is seeking to boost her professional reputation abroad after failing to establish a strong legal presence in Kenya.

“You are a lawyer in Kenya, we look at your records as a lawyer and you have never had any distinction in law. Here in Kenya, nobody appreciates what you do as a lawyer. Kenya wants to be peaceful and have a good relationship with its neighbours and partners in the East African Community. Tanzanians have never bothered Kenya. We have never had issues with Ugandans except for the period when Idi Amin was the president," Wetang'ula said.

The former Bungoma senator emphasised Kenya’s commitment to preserving harmonious relations with its neighbouring countries.

He further appealed to Karua and other activists to refrain from involving themselves in the domestic affairs of Tanzania and Uganda.

He warned that such actions could jeopardise the peaceful and cooperative ties Kenya has worked hard to maintain within the East African region.

Wetang’ula stressed that safeguarding these diplomatic relationships is crucial for regional stability and Kenya’s long-term interests.

“We don't want to be in a feud with neighbouring countries. I want to encourage our friends, our retired chief justices and other distinguished Kenyans, please don't be the one to cause bad relations between Kenya and its neighbours. We co-exist, we trade, and we have more Kenyans living in those countries than their people living in Kenya," Wetang'ula added.

Wetang’ula’s remarks come shortly after Karua, along with human rights activists Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi, was detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.

The three had travelled to Tanzania at the invitation of the East Africa Law Society to observe a court hearing involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

After waiting for an hour, they were informed that their entry had been denied and were subsequently deported to Kenya.

Tanzanian authorities said the trio lacked the necessary documents for entry.

Karua issued a statement expressing disappointment over their treatment, highlighting the principles of East African unity and freedom of movement.

Was Karua lauded in Uganda?

Despite being deported from Tanzania, Karua remained steadfast in her fight for justice.

She was met with loud applause and chants of “never surrender” as she entered Nakawa Court to represent Uganda’s opposition leader, Besigye.

In a crowded courtroom that resembled a rally, Besigye’s supporters clapped, sang, and even stood on benches, showing a rare and bold display of unity.

Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola were officially committed for trial in Uganda’s court to face charges of treason and misprision of treason.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke