Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has led a chorus of opposition leaders in condemning the detention and deportation of Senior Counsel Martha Karua by Ugandan authorities, describing the incident as a dangerous assault on democratic freedoms and regional integration.
Mr Musyoka visited Ms Karua following her return to Kenya and was accompanied by former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, retired Chief Justice David Maraga, Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and other political leaders.
The high-profile visit underscored growing concern among Kenyan opposition figures over what they describe as shrinking democratic space within the East African region.
"What transpired is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent for our region," Mr Musyoka said.
"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."
The incident has quickly evolved from a diplomatic and legal dispute into a broader political debate over democratic governance and civil liberties within East Africa.
Ms Karua had travelled to Uganda alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama to attend court proceedings involving Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale.
Instead, she was detained and deported, prompting criticism from lawyers, human rights organisations and political leaders across the region.
The deportation also came just days after reports that Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is part of Dr Besigye's legal team, had been arrested and detained.
To opposition leaders, the developments point to what they describe as increasing restrictions on political dissent and legal representation.
Maraga, Muturi join criticism
The presence of former Chief Justice David Maraga and former Attorney-General Justin Muturi at Ms Karua's residence gave additional weight to the condemnation.
Although the leaders did not issue a joint statement, political observers noted that the gathering brought together some of Kenya's most prominent voices on constitutionalism, governance and the rule of law.
The leaders expressed solidarity with Ms Karua and reaffirmed support for legal and democratic principles within the East African Community.
Analysts say the symbolism of the meeting was significant, particularly at a time when opposition figures are increasingly positioning themselves as defenders of constitutional freedoms and institutional independence.
Warning on shrinking democratic space
Mr Musyoka warned against normalising actions that undermine democratic rights and freedoms within the region.
"We must not allow the continued shrinking of democratic space within our region to become the norm," he said.
"Today it is Martha Karua, tomorrow it could be any voice that dares to stand for justice, accountability and the rule of law."
His remarks reflect growing concerns among civil society organisations and democracy advocates who argue that political intolerance is becoming increasingly entrenched in parts of East Africa.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that restrictions on opposition leaders, activists and legal practitioners threaten democratic gains achieved over the past two decades.
East African Community under scrutiny
The incident has also renewed debate about the East African Community's commitment to the principles enshrined in its founding treaty, including free movement of persons, regional cooperation and respect for human rights.
Legal experts argue that the deportation of a senior advocate seeking to observe court proceedings raises questions about adherence to these principles.
Several commentators have called on East African Community institutions to engage member states on concerns relating to civil liberties, judicial independence and political freedoms.
Opposition closes ranks
The visit to Ms Karua comes amid growing cooperation among opposition leaders ahead of a potentially defining political period in Kenya and the wider region.
Political analysts say the deportation has provided opposition figures with a rallying point around issues of governance, democracy and the rule of law.
By standing alongside Ms Karua, leaders such as Mr Musyoka, Mr Wamalwa, Mr Muturi and Mr Maraga sought to frame the incident as more than an individual grievance.
For them, it is part of a broader struggle over democratic accountability and respect for constitutional rights across East Africa.
"We stand in full solidarity with Martha Karua and with all those who continue to champion a just, open and democratic East Africa," Mr Musyoka said.
