Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the detention and subsequent deportation of Kenyan politician and Senior Counsel Martha Karua by Ugandan authorities, terming the incident a worrying sign for democratic freedoms within the East African region.
Kalonzo, who visited Karua following her return to Kenya, said the incident raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law and the principles governing regional integration under the East African Community (EAC).
“I visited my sister Martha Karua following her unlawful detention and subsequent deportation by Ugandan authorities together with my fellow leaders Hon JB Muturi, CJ Emeritus David Maraga, Hon Eugene Wamalwa, among other leaders,” Kalonzo stated.
He described the events at Entebbe International Airport as troubling, warning that they set what he called a “dangerous precedent” for the region’s democratic trajectory.
“What transpired is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent for our region. The arbitrary denial of entry to a respected leader and Senior Counsel is not only an affront to her dignity, but also a direct violation of the principles that underpin the East African Community, including free movement, mutual respect, and democratic engagement,” he added.
Karua was reportedly stopped at the point of entry, detained for several hours, and later deported back to Nairobi, an incident that has since sparked criticism from political and legal leaders across Kenya and Uganda’s opposition-aligned circles.
Kalonzo warned that continued restrictions on political and legal actors risk eroding democratic space across East Africa, arguing that such actions could normalize intolerance and weaken regional cooperation frameworks.
“We must not allow the continued shrinking of democratic space within our region to become the norm. Today it is Martha Karua, tomorrow it could be any voice that dares to stand for justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” he said.
He further called on citizens across the region to defend democratic freedoms and uphold the rule of law, insisting that political intolerance should not be allowed to undermine unity among East African states.
“I strongly condemn this act of political intolerance and call upon all citizens and residents of our region to stand up firmly for the rule of law, defend democratic space, and reject any actions that undermine our shared freedoms and unity as East Africans,” Kalonzo stated.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with Karua, saying he and other leaders stand with her and others advocating for justice and democratic governance in the region.