By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 22, 2026 - Uganda's decision to detain and deny entry to Kenyan Senior Counsel and 2027 presidential hopeful Martha Karua before deporting her back to Nairobi on Monday ignited a diplomatic and political storm, raising fresh concerns over democratic freedoms and the rule of law within the East African Community.
Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party (PLP), was held incommunicado for hours at Entebbe International Airport after arriving from Nairobi to attend court proceedings involving veteran Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, whom she represents as lead counsel.
Her office later confirmed that she had departed Entebbe and was on her way back to Kenya after being denied entry by Ugandan authorities.
"We can confirm that Presidential Aspirant and Senior Counsel Martha Karua has departed Entebbe and is en route to Nairobi following her detention and denial of entry by Ugandan authorities earlier today," her office said in a statement.
"The incident raises serious questions about the observance of the rule of law and the state of democratic freedoms within the East African Community."
Karua is expected to address the media upon her arrival in Nairobi and provide details of the circumstances surrounding her detention and deportation.
Earlier, anxiety gripped political and legal circles across East Africa after reports emerged that Karua had been detained at the airport and could not be reached for several hours. Her mobile phones were reportedly switched off, fuelling speculation and concern over her safety and whereabouts.
The former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister had travelled to Kampala alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama to attend proceedings in the high-profile treason case facing Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale.
According to her office, while Kanjama was cleared to enter Uganda, Karua and members of her legal team were blocked by immigration officials and prevented from proceeding with their mission.
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"Senior Counsel Martha Karua has been detained at Entebbe International Airport after Ugandan authorities denied her entry into the country," her Executive Office said in an earlier statement.
The dramatic development triggered immediate condemnation from lawyers, human rights defenders, and opposition leaders across the region, many questioning Uganda's treatment of legal professionals involved in politically sensitive cases.
Karua has been at the forefront of Besigye's defence since the veteran opposition politician's controversial arrest and transfer to Uganda in November 2024, a case that has drawn intense regional and international scrutiny.
Her office maintained that she possesses a valid practising certificate in Uganda and has previously appeared in legal proceedings linked to the matter.
The deportation comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda following the arrest and prosecution of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, another member of Besigye's defence team, who was recently charged with misprision of treason.
Analysts warned that the treatment of one of Kenya's most prominent opposition figures could place Nairobi and Kampala under renewed diplomatic pressure while drawing attention to concerns about civil liberties, political freedoms, and judicial independence in the region.
The incident is also expected to attract scrutiny from regional legal bodies, human rights organisations, and international observers given Karua's stature as a senior advocate, former cabinet minister, and declared contender in Kenya's 2027 presidential race.