Martha Karua, the People’s Liberation Party Leader (PLP), and two Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Council Members were detained upon arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania.
She is jointly held by two Kenyan lawyers, Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani, as they await deportation.
This follows a video shared by the trio indicating that they have been detained at the airport.
“We are at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, where we have been detained, awaiting deportation. There’s fear in the Suluhu government about people who may be interested in the politically motivated cases against Tundu Lissu,” Karua said.
In a statement issued by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), their visit was to conduct trial observation in the ongoing case involving Hon. Advocate Tundu Lissu.
Mr Lissu is the Chairperson of the main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA).
THRDC have confirmed receiving credible reports that the three advocates were detained shortly after arrival in Dar es Salaam.
“We are deeply shocked and disturbed by this incident, especially given that this is not the first time Advocate Martha Karua has participated in observing proceedings in this matter.”
They pointed out that Lawyer Karua appeared in court for the same purpose without any interference from authorities on April 25.
In a swift response, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has condemned the detention of the three advocates.
“It is quite unfortunate that we should be enjoying free movement of persons within the East African region, Kenyans can be detained for merely being lawyers, ” she posted in her X account.
https://youtu.be/AM6oehEBiXA?si=DMSrEyRlUZcfxTao
As the Tanzanian authorities continue to receive a round of criticism from the human rights bodies and the public, THDRC is cautioning them to recognise the component of a fair and transparent judicial process.
“This is enshrined in both domestic law and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” their statement reads in part.
Legal Action
At the time of publication of this article, Tanzania Law Society (TLS), THRDC, through the Human Rights Committee in collaboration with the East African Law Society (EALS), is actively following up on this matter.
“We have instructed Advocate Hekima Mwasipu to pursue all necessary legal steps to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the detained advocates,” they said.
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) urged the relevant airport and immigration authorities to act with urgency and by the law by releasing the three advocates without delay.
“They are in Tanzania for a lawful, professional, and internationally recognised function, and should be respected.”
THRDC have promised to continue to monitor this situation closely and will provide updates to the public.
