Martha Karua, Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani. The three were detained at Julius Nyerere Airport Tanzania. Photo: Martha Karua.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned the detention of Senior Counsel Martha Karua, Gloria Kimani and Lynn Ngugi in Tanzania at Julius Nyerere Airport on Sunday, May 17.
In a press statement, LSK says the incident is inexcusable and illegal, as even the Tanzanian Airport Authority has failed to provide information about the incident, which according to them violates the principles that unites the East Africa Community (EAC).
“The Law Society of Kenya is exasperated by the inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary denial of entry into Tanzania of two of our members, Ms. Martha Karua, SC and Ms. Gloria Kimani, alongside Lynn Ngugi who were detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport on 18th May, 2025. The authorities at the airport have not only failed to provide reasons for this abhorrent act of impunity. We condemn this incongruous contempt for the rule of law, human rights and the fundamental principles that hold East African Community together,” read the statement.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo, further stated the action jeopardizes the international relations between the two countries, even though Article 104 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community contemplates the guarantee of free movement of member citizens.
“Article 104 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East Africa Community contemplates a region where citizens move across member states freely and without undue restraints such as we have witnessed today. It is equally an affront to the international relationship among East Africa states. Therefore not only irrational and discriminatory. The government of the Republic of Tanzania is in breach of its obligations, and must act accordingly to rectify this animosity against citizens of Kenya,” she stated.
Karua and her team were in Tanzania in support of Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has been detained and is facing a treason case, a move that has been linked to President Suluhu Hassan for intimidating opponents in a bid for re-election.
Karua however said, the time has come for Africans to fight against oppression and intimidation by leaders, and not cowardice by intimidations.
“It is a sad time in Africa and it is high time we come out and stop oppression,” Karua stated after landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
