Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua has signalled plans to intensify efforts to secure the release of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye ahead of his next scheduled court appearance on 24 February in Kampala.
Karua made the remarks on Citizen TV Kenya this week as she discussed the veteran politician's prolonged detention and reported deteriorating health while in custody.
Karua said she expects to meet Besigye next week at Luzira Prison, where he remains detained, so that she and the defence team can confer ahead of the treason case hearing.
"His case is coming up on the 24th of this month. I propose to go earlier so that we are able to confer with him in Luzira prison, together with the other councils, so that we can get ready," Karua said.
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She described Besigye's condition as "poor," noting the impact of his extended incarceration on his health.
"How's he doing? Poorly. After a long period of incarceration and reports of bad health, he's suffering poor health. Remember, he's been detained for over one year," Karua said.
The remarks come as pressure grows over Besigye's detention, which has now spanned more than a year since his arrest.
It should be remembered that last year in May, Karua was leading the defense team for Besigye in his treason trial before the General Court Martial.
Karua secured temporary practicing credentials to represent Besigye, emphasizing concerns over his health, detention conditions, and adherence to legal procedures.
Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 after he was picked from Nairobi, Kenya alongside Obeid Lutala and brought to Uganda to face treason and related charges.
Besigye, a former presidential contender and long-time critic of President Museveni, has also been at the centre of contentious bail applications.
Despite legal arguments that he has spent longer than the legally mandated, courts have repeatedly denied his release, prompting criticism from opposition figures and rights advocates alike.
