Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has traveled to Kampala, Uganda, to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye in court.
Karua is set to appear at a military tribunal on Monday, December 2, 2024, where she will provide legal representation for Besigye.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, December 1, Karua expressed hope that the Ugandan government would issue her the necessary license to perform her legal duties.
“I am hopeful of getting the license and already in Kampala,” she posted.
However, the situation has sparked concern among Ugandan opposition politicians. Some have voiced fears that the government may block Karua from representing Besigye in court. This speculation has heightened tensions surrounding the case.
The backdrop to this legal battle traces back to November 16, 2024, when Kizza Besigye was reportedly abducted in Nairobi.
According to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, Besigye was in the Kenyan capital to attend the launch of Karua’s memoir, Against The Tide. Reliable reports later revealed that he was detained in a military facility in Kampala.
Abduction
The abduction ignited outrage on social media, with accusations directed at Kenyan security agencies for allegedly aiding in the illegal act.
However, the Kenyan government denied involvement, asserting that its agencies had no role in Besigye’s detention or transfer.
Martha Karua was among the leaders who condemned the abduction and called for Besigye’s immediate release.
She urged both Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto to ensure the safety and fair treatment of the Ugandan opposition leader.
This case underscores growing tensions between political opposition figures and governments in the region.
Read “MP Koech “Mudavadi to Be Summoned Over Besigye’s Abduction”
It also raises broader questions about cross-border cooperation in safeguarding the rights of political dissidents.
Karua’s role as Besigye’s legal representative has added an international dimension to the case, reflecting her continued advocacy for justice and human rights across borders.
As Karua awaits the Ugandan government’s decision on her license, all eyes remain on Kampala. The outcome of the military tribunal will likely influence the ongoing debate about political freedoms and justice in East Africa.
