Martha Karua Decries Rigorous Body Search at Ugandan Court

NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua has lamented a rigorous search she was subjected to at a Court Martial in Uganda.

Karua travelled to Uganda to represent Kizza Besigye, the opposition leader, who was arrested in November for allegedly possessing illegal ammunition.

Addressing the press on Monday, December 2, Karua expressed her frustrations after being searched at several entry points into the courtroom.

The former Azimio principal explained that the first search was conducted at the gate, then another search as she gained entry into the courtroom and again inside the court chambers.

While expressing her disappointment over the search procedure, Karua termed the move as unethical and inappropriate, especially for someone of her calibre.

“I express my dismay at the humiliating mode of search that I was subjected to twice and all the members of the court procession were subjected to. First at the gate, then as we entered the courtroom,” Karua narrated.

Speaking after the court session, Karua also lamented being denied audience by the courtroom after being informed that she lacked a practising license from the Ugandan Law Council.

During her speech, Karua commended Besigye for his firmness, stating that the politician directed them to apply for an adjournment to obtain a license.

“We have been able to have an audience with our client in the court and the client was very firm that we ought to apply for adjournment so that we can get the response from the Law Council,” Karua stated.

Following an application for adjournment, the court directed that Besigye and his accomplice, Abied Lutaale be detained for seven days until December 10, 2024.

On November 20, Besigye and Lutaale were reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya while travelling to attend a book launch ceremony hosted by Martha Karua.

Besigye was later arraigned at the Court Martial in Kampala and charged with illegal possession of firearms and allegedly holding meetings to plan President Yoweri Museveni’s ouster.