The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has spoken out against the detention of Kenyan lawyers, including People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Karua revealed on May 18, 2025, that she had been denied entry into Tanzania and was facing deportation. Her passport was reportedly seized by immigration officials upon arrival.
“I have been denied entry into Tanzania. My two colleagues and I are currently awaiting deportation at Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam,” Karua announced via her verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
She said she was being held along with fellow lawyers and human rights defenders Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani.
Karua explained that immigration officers handed her passport to a supervisor who kept her waiting for over an hour without providing any reason.
“I arrived at 9:00 a.m., and my passport was referred to a supervisor. I was left waiting for an hour as they consulted with senior officials,” she said.
Expressing concern over the incident, Karua questioned why her freedom of movement within the East African Community (EAC) was being curtailed.
“As a citizen of the East African Community, I’m troubled by these unexplained restrictions on movement within the region,” she added.
She noted that all three were official guests of the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya, and suggested their denial of entry might be linked to their interest in the high-profile case of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
“The only link between us is our affiliation with EALS and our concern for the politically charged case involving Tundu Lissu. It appears those showing interest in the matter are being denied entry,” Karua stated.
Responding to the incident, LSK President Faith Odhiambo condemned the treatment of the Kenyan lawyers.
“It is deeply regrettable that Kenyan lawyers can be detained within East Africa simply for being legal professionals. This goes against the principle of free movement within the region. I urge Foreign Affairs PS @SingoeiAKorir to intervene urgently,” she posted.
