The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has vehemently condemned the recent detention and subsequent denial of entry into Tanzania of two Kenyan advocates, among them Peoples Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.
In a strongly worded press statement released today, the LSK expressed its “exasperation by the inexcusable, illegal and arbitrary denial of entry” to Senior Counsel Martha Karua, and Gloria Kimani, both LSK council Members.
According to the statement, the two advocates were detained upon arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on May 18th, 2025, and were later denied entry without any valid reasons provided by Tanzanian authorities.
The LSK views this action as a profound affront to the rule of law, human rights, and the fundamental principles that govern the East African Community (EAC).
The LSK highlighted Article 104 of the EAC Treaty, which guarantees the free movement of persons within the region, stating that the denial of entry is not only irrational and discriminatory but also “an affront to the international relationship among East African states.” The society further asserted that the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is in breach of its obligations and must act accordingly to rectify this animosity against Kenyan citizens.
The statement also drew a direct link between this incident and the ongoing persecution of Hon. Tundu Lissu, a Tanzanian advocate and former President of the Tanganyika Law Society, who has faced persistent injustices for his democratic rights and freedoms. The LSK noted that the denial of entry to the Kenyan advocates appears to be connected to their support for Mr. Lissu.
The LSK has called upon the Attorney-General of Tanzania to take immediate intervention to rectify this “outright affront to justice and human rights.” The society emphasized that this issue reflects poorly on the values and respect that should underpin the relationship between neighboring nations within the EAC. The LSK affirmed its continued engagement with the Tanganyika Law Society to resolve the prevailing impasse and expressed hope for a conclusive resolution.
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