Ex-Kenyan Justice Minister  Martha Karua to lead Besigye’s legal team

Former Kenyan Minister for Justice, Martha Karua is set to lead a 50-man legal team to represent opposition strongman, Dr.Kizza Besigye as he battles charges in the General Court Martial.

Kampala Lord Mayor,Erias Lukwago told journalists on Monday that a team of 50 lawyers from both Uganda led by Karua will be representing Besigye, together with Haji Obeid Lutale in the case they face at the army court over unlawful possession of a firearm.

“The head of this team of lawyers is Hon Martha Karua and from today onwards, she is the head of the legal team,” said in Kampala.

The development followed a request by Lukwago to Karua to lead Besigye’s legal team before the army court.

In an email accepting the same, the seasoned Kenyan lawyer said .

“I do hereby accept your request and look forward to joining the team at the next court appearance. I am ready together with the team to explore other available legal options within the East African Community, regional and international forums to pursue justice for Dr.Kizza Besigye and Mr. Lutale,” Karua said.

She added that she has immediately initiated the paperwork for the grant of practicing certificate in Uganda for purposes of Besigye’s case.

Dr. Besigye was arrested together with Hajji Lutale on November from Kenya’s from Waridi Paradise Hotel and Suites on Rose avenue in Hurlingham in Nairobi where the former had gone to attend a book launch for Martha Karua.

The duo has since been arraigned before the army court in Kampala and charged with offences related to security, contrary to section 128(1) (f) of the UPDF Act.

They also face charges related to unlawful possession of two pistols centrally to section 4(1) and (2) of the Firearms Act.

The state alleges that the charges were committed from Nairobi, Greece and Switzerland.