Ms Karua countered the council's claims that her application was incomplete, specifically the absence of notarized copies of documents and a missing certificate from her colleague, Mr. Lukwago.
Prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has issued a strong rebuttal to the Uganda Law Council's decision to reject her application for a special practicing certificate, accusing the council of malice and procedural unfairness.
In a letter dated December 6, 2024, Ms Karua expressed dismay at the council's refusal, addressing what she described as misunderstandings and unfounded accusations.
Ms Karua countered the council's claims that her application was incomplete, specifically the absence of notarized copies of documents and a missing certificate from her colleague, Mr. Lukwago.
She argued that the council should have requested additional information instead of using these omissions as grounds for rejection.
Former Kenyan Justice minister Karua further contended that the council's suggestion that she lacked "special legal skills" was irrelevant, emphasizing that her selection as lead counsel in Dr. Besigye's case was a decision for the client, not the council.
Responding to allegations of questionable conduct, Karua categorically denied misrepresenting herself as holding a valid Ugandan practicing certificate.
She clarified that during the court martial hearing for Dr. Besigye on December 2, she appeared as a visiting jurist introduced by Mr. Lukwago and openly disclosed that she was awaiting approval for a special license to practice in Uganda.
Karua also criticized the council's tone, describing its remarks as a personal attack on her character and an unwarranted display of hostility.
She dismissed claims that her visit to the Chief Justice's chambers constituted misconduct, arguing that her administrative inquiry did not require a practicing certificate.
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In her concluding remarks, Karua suggested that the Uganda Law Council's actions reflect an unjustified hostility toward citizens of the East African Community.
She contended that the rejection of her application was rooted not in legal merit but in prejudice, undermining the spirit of regional cooperation.
This development has further fueled debate over the council's handling of the matter and the broader implications for legal practice within the East African Community.
