Martha Karua Explains Why She Withdrew From Ndiang’ui Kinyagia Case

Martha Karua Explains Why She Withdrew From Ndiang’ui Kinyagia Case

Senior Counsel Martha Karua has finally addressed the rising public concern over her withdrawal from the controversial case involving blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, saying she had no choice after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) pulled out.

Karua, a respected human rights defender and leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), broke her silence after online posts accused her of abandoning a man she once defended passionately.

“I was appearing alongside LSK, and when LSK seeks to withdraw, I lose the locus,” Karua explained.
“Otherwise, I do think he deserves representation.”

Why Karua Walked Away

She clarified that her involvement was not on an individual basis but was tied directly to the LSK’s presence in the case.

“I was not independently representing him. I acted jointly with LSK,” Karua said in a social media response.

When LSK decided to recuse itself, she automatically had to follow suit, citing a lack of legal standing to continue.

Criticism from the Public

The backlash online was swift, with one viral post reading:

“Even LSK and Martha Karua are distancing themselves. As the spotlight dims, he’s been left to face the consequences alone.”

But Karua did not shy away from defending the blogger’s rights, even while stepping back.

“Do not forget, the police broke into his house without a warrant and reigned terror on an entire neighbourhood. I do not judge him,” she firmly stated.

The Changing Legal Landscape

Initially, LSK stood firmly behind Ndiang’ui, filing a habeas corpus petition after he vanished on June 21. His family claimed state agents abducted him. However, when Ndiang’ui reappeared, saying he had gone into hiding fearing for his life, the narrative shifted.

Fresh court filings by VR Advocates & Partners LLP, acting for LSK, revealed inconsistencies in Kinyagia’s story. The trust between client and counsel broke down, prompting the formal withdrawal.

Appearing in Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, Ndiang’ui confirmed that Kibe Mungai and Wahome Thuku are now his only lawyers.

The court granted him 14 days to file an affidavit explaining his disappearance.

ALSO READ: KANU Breaks Silence, Slams Claims of Gideon Moi Backing Ruto Government

Martha Karua Explains Why She Withdrew From Ndiang’ui Kinyagia Case