Arusha, 27 October 2011: The First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice today granted the Republic of Kenya an order for extension of time to file its defense in a case brought against it by the East African Law Society (EALS) challenging the arrest and handing over of Kenyan citizens by the Government of Kenya to that of Uganda on suspicion of involvement in terror activities.

Judges Hon. Lady Justice Mary Stella Arach Amoko, Hon. Mr. Justice Jean Bosco Butasi and Hon. Mr. Justice Isaac Lenaola granted the request for extension as there was no objection to the application.

The Attorney General of Uganda and the Secretary General of the East African Community are the other respondents in the case, Reference No. 3 of 2011 filed on 31 May 2011 by the regional bar association which sought the EACJ’s intervention after Kenyan citizens alleged to be complicit in the planning and execution of the bomb attacks in Kampala in July 2010 were transferred to Uganda without recourse to established extradition procedures and due process of law as stipulated by the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya.

The EALS asserts that the action by the Kenyan Government offended various articles enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution, the EAC Treaty as well as the African Charter on Human Rights.

About the EACJ

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The High Courts of the Partner States serve as sub-registries.

For more information please contact:

Dr. John Ruhangisa, Registrar
Email: ruhangisa@eachq.org

Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza, Deputy Registrar
Email: umugwaneza@eachq.org

Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department;
EAC Secretariat
Tel: +255 784 835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org

East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania
http://www.eacj.org