I have received a disturbing and regrettable report from the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Adv. Faith Odhiambo, regarding the denial of entry into Tanzania of Advocates Gloria Kimani (LSK Council Member), Martha Karua, and Lyn Ngugi. These advocates were scheduled to attend and observe the ongoing court proceedings involving Advocate Tundu Antipas Lissu at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam.
In response, I have immediately engaged Advocate Hekima Mwasipu to thoroughly follow up on this matter so that appropriate legal measures can be taken.
We wish to remind the authorities that this country is governed by the rule of law and its Constitution, and there is no legal prohibition against anyone attending public court proceedings concerning the charges faced by Advocate Tundu Antipas Lissu.
It is our sincere appeal that these advocates be allowed entry, as their attendance serves as a testament to our commitment to upholding justice and fairness in the eyes of the international community.
What is currently taking place constitutes a grave violation of both the law and the Constitution. As the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), we are closely monitoring this situation.
Furthermore, besides deploying advocates to support Advocate Tundu Lissu during tomorrow’s proceedings, I will personally attend the court session at the scheduled time.
We call upon the Immigration Department to refrain from tarnishing the image of our nation by creating unnecessary and unfounded controversies.
We strongly condemn and demand an immediate end to these unlawful actions that bring shame and discredit to the dignity of our country.
BAK Mwabukusi
President, Tanganyika Law Society (TLS)
“Hatuna shida kubwa sana ya amani, lakini tuna shida kubwa ya haki, sisi kama wachungaji tumehubiri habari za haki na tunaomba haki itendeke kwa sababu hapatakuwa na amani kama hakuna haki” Mch. Kimaro
Kiongozi wa chama cha People’s Liberation Party (PLP) kutoka Kenya, Mwanasheria Martha Karua, amewasili nchini Tanzania kuonesha mshikamano wake kwa Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) taifa Tundu Lissu ambaye anakabiliwa na mashtaka ya uhaini na uchochezi yanayosikilizwa katika Mahakama ya Hakimu Mkazi Kisutu hii leo.
Karua, ambaye pia ni mwanaharakati wa haki za binadamu na demokrasia, amelaani kukamatwa kwa Lissu akikitaja kama kitendo cha kukandamiza ushindani wa kisiasa, hasa katika kipindi hiki kuelekea uchaguzi mkuu. Ameeleza kuwa hatua hiyo inatuma ujumbe wa kuhofia mabadiliko ya kisiasa na inaleta wasiwasi kuhusu mazingira ya uchaguzi huru na wa haki.
Tundu Lissu amekuwa akipaza sauti kuhusu mageuzi ya uchaguzi kupitia kauli mbiu ya "No Reforms, No Election", akisisitiza kuwa bila marekebisho ya mfumo wa uchaguzi, kushiriki uchaguzi kunahalalisha uonevu na kutokuwepo kwa usawa wa kisiasa.
Ujio wa Martha Karua unakuja huku kesi ya uhaini dhidi ya Lissu ikiendelea kuvuta hisia ndani na nje ya nchi, ikiwa ni ishara ya mshikamano wa kimataifa kwa viongozi wa upinzani wanaokumbana na changamoto za kisiasa.
Kenya wanashangaa Tanzania tunawezaje kushiriki uchaguzi chini ya muundo dhalimu wa @TumeUchaguziTZ? Kwamba mgombea Urais wa CCM ndiye anateua mkurugenzi, mwenyekiti, makamishna, wajumbe wa tume ya uchaguzi kusimamia uchaguzi ambao naye anashiriki? Majirani wanatuona mang'ombe