Faith Nyasuguta
In a move that has intensified concerns over the shrinking democratic space in East Africa, Kenyan opposition leader and Senior Counsel Martha Karua was detained and deported from Tanzania on Sunday. Karua had traveled to Dar es Salaam to represent Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu in court proceedings.
This incident follows her recent legal challenges in Uganda, where she was denied accreditation to represent detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, highlighting a troubling pattern of cross-border suppression of opposition voices.
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, Karua was arrested and subjected to deportation proceedings. Tanzanian authorities accused her of interfering in the country’s internal affairs, asserting that her involvement in Lissu’s case was politically motivated. Stephen Wasira, Vice-Chair of Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, criticized Karua’s actions, suggesting she should focus on issues within Kenya rather than “meddling” in Tanzanian politics.
Karua’s deportation comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the arrest of Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader and presidential hopeful. Lissu was detained on April 9, 2025, on charges of incitement and treason after calling for electoral reforms at a rally in Mbinga. His arrest has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and opposition figures, who view it as an attempt to stifle dissent ahead of Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for October 2025.
Karua, known for her unwavering commitment to human rights and democratic principles, has been vocal in her criticism of the Tanzanian government’s actions. She condemned Lissu’s arrest as a form of repression against political competition, particularly in an election year. Her advocacy extended to calling for the unconditional release of Lissu and highlighting the implications of such political crackdowns on regional stability.
In Uganda, Karua faced similar challenges when she sought to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye, a detained opposition leader facing treason charges. The Ugandan Law Council denied her a temporary practicing license, citing political motives. This decision drew condemnation from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the East African Law Society (EALS), both of which argued that the denial violated regional agreements on mutual recognition of legal qualifications.
Karua has expressed deep concern over what she describes as an “unholy alliance” among East African leaders to suppress opposition voices. She has highlighted cases of abductions and legal harassment in countries like Uganda and Tanzania, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and democratic principles.
Her activism has not been without personal cost. In Uganda, Karua reported being subjected to humiliating body searches while attempting to attend Besigye’s court sessions. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her advocacy, stating that the suppression of opposition voices in one country can have ripple effects throughout the region.
The deportation incident has sparked discussions about the role of legal professionals in cross-border advocacy and the importance of respecting international legal standards. Karua’s supporters argue that her efforts are in line with the principles of justice and democracy, while critics contend that her involvement in neighboring countries’ affairs oversteps boundaries.
As East African nations grapple with issues of governance and human rights, Karua’s experiences showcase the challenges faced by those who seek to defend democratic values across borders. Her case raises important questions about the balance between national sovereignty and regional solidarity in the pursuit of justice.
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