Law Society of Kenya Mulls Ban on Ugandan Lawyers Over Rejection of Karua’s Application
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly criticized Uganda’s Law Council for rejecting Senior Counsel Martha Wangari Karua’s application for a temporary practicing certificate and is considering barring Ugandan advocates from practicing in Kenya in response.
In a statement issued yesterday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the Ugandan Law Council’s decision as “derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed.”
She noted that the move undermines the longstanding spirit of mutual cooperation between the Kenyan and Ugandan legal fraternities.
The LSK has announced plans to engage Kenya’s Attorney General to address the matter and is mulling the suspension of Ugandan lawyers’ admission to the Kenyan bar until reciprocal arrangements are firmly established.
Highlighting Kenya’s openness to regional integration, the LSK pointed out that many Ugandan lawyers have historically been allowed to practice in Kenya, making Uganda’s actions particularly disappointing.
The rejection of Karua’s application has raised concerns about Uganda’s commitment to fostering regional legal cooperation and respect for Kenyan practitioners.
The LSK reiterated its support for Hon. Martha Karua, a distinguished advocate and Senior Counsel widely recognized for her contributions to the legal profession and justice in the region.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate across East Africa’s legal community, with many calling for the harmonization of cross-border legal practice standards to promote deeper regional integration and professional respect.
