In a moment that has left the Kenyan legal community in disbelief, a decision by Uganda’s Law Council has sparked an uproar. The decision concerns the conduct of Hon. Martha Karua, a Senior Counsel and renowned Kenyan lawyer, whose reputation has been built on decades of professionalism and dedication. As news of the ruling spread, emotions ran high, with many expressing shock over what they felt was an unprovoked attack on Karua’s esteemed career.
Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), did not mince words in her condemnation of the ruling. In a fiery statement, she expressed the Kenyan bar’s “unqualified disenchantment” with the decision, calling it both derogatory and highhanded. Odhiambo’s words were a clear signal that the ruling had not only harmed an individual but also threatened the spirit of mutual cooperation between the Kenyan and Ugandan legal communities. The fallout from this decision seems poised to strain professional ties that have been carefully built over many years.
In Uganda, the response to the decision was equally fierce. Former EALA MP and counsel Denise Mukasa Mbidde, along with NUP legal counsel Musisi, were outspoken in their criticism of the Uganda Law Council (ULC) during a live broadcast on a local TV channel. The legal figures questioned the integrity of the ULC’s actions and took aim at Lady Justice Mulyagonja, criticizing her approach to handling the case. Their remarks were pointed, with no sweet words for the council, as they expressed concern about the fairness and transparency of the proceedings, adding weight to the growing dissatisfaction with the decision.
As the dust settles, the Kenyan and Ugandan legal communities are now at a crossroads. The incident has ignited a wider debate on the need for more consistent and respectful collaboration between East African legal systems. Whether this episode marks the beginning of a tense legal standoff or an opportunity for resolution remains to be seen, but it is clear that it has underscored the importance of mutual respect in maintaining professional ties across borders.