Karua Clarifies Role in Blogger Ndiang’ui’s Case After LSK Withdrawal

Senior Counsel says she acted with LSK, not independently

Senior Counsel Martha Karua has clarified that her legal appearance on behalf of blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia was done in partnership with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and not in an individual capacity.

Karua’s statement comes in response to growing criticism that she, along with the LSK, had abandoned Kinyagia—who is facing accusations of staging his own abduction. In an earlier social media post, critics lamented:

“Even the LSK and Martha Karua are distancing themselves from his case. As the spotlight dims, he’s been left to face the consequences alone, abandoned by the very voices that once rallied behind the cry, ‘Free Ndiang’ui’.”

In a swift response, Karua explained that her involvement hinged on LSK’s participation. Once the LSK sought to withdraw from the matter, she lost the legal basis to continue.

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

She also voiced disapproval of how the authorities handled the situation surrounding Kinyagia’s disappearance.

“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 added.

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, July 24, Kinyagia—identified as a software engineer—revealed that he is now represented by lawyers Kibe Mungai and Wahome Thuku.

Initially, the LSK had backed a habeas corpus petition on grounds that Kinyagia had been abducted by state agents under unclear circumstances. However, as investigations progressed, it emerged that the blogger had deliberately gone into hiding. This undermined the credibility of the petition and led to a sharp legal pivot.

In fresh filings, LSK’s legal representatives, VR Advocates & Partners LLP, formally requested to withdraw from the case, citing inconsistencies in Kinyagia’s story and a breakdown in trust between lawyer and client.

Kinyagia has since been given 14 days to file an affidavit explaining his disappearance on June 21.