Martha Karua
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Martha Wangari Karua |
| Born | 22 September 1957 (age 2025–1957) Kirinyaga County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Political party | NARC–Kenya (2006–present) |
| Other affiliations | Ford–Asili (1992) Democratic Party (1992–2006) Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party (2022–present) |
| Alma mater | University of Nairobi Kenya School of Law United States International University - Africa |
| Occupation | Politician, Lawyer |
| Years active | 1981–present |
| Known for | Justice advocacy, human rights, women's empowerment |
| Website | joinmarthakarua.com |
Martha Wangari Karua (born 22 September 1957) is a Kenyan politician, lawyer, and former magistrate. Known for her tenacious advocacy of justice, constitutionalism, and gender equality, she has served in multiple government positions and was the official running mate of Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. She is currently the leader of NARC–Kenya, a party she founded in 2006.
Early Life and Education
Martha Karua was born on 22 September 1957 in Kimunye village, Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. She is the second of eight children born to Jackson Karua and Josephine Wanjiru. Her early education began at Mugumo Primary School, followed by Kabare Girls Boarding School and St. Michael's Boarding School in Kerugoya. She then attended Kiburia Girls Secondary School, Ngiriambu Girls Secondary School, and Karoti Girls Secondary School, where she completed her O-Level education. For her A-Levels, she studied at Nairobi Girls' Secondary School.
Karua pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1980. She completed her postgraduate diploma at the Kenya School of Law in 1981, qualifying as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. In 2011, she enrolled in a Global Executive MBA program at the United States International University–Africa in Nairobi.
Legal Career
After her admission to the bar, Karua began her legal career in 1981 as a magistrate, serving in various courts including Makadara, Nakuru, and Kibera Law Courts. She was known for her integrity and commitment to justice. In 1987, she resigned from the judiciary to establish her own law firm, Martha Karua & Co. Advocates, which she ran until 2002.
During this period, Karua took on several high-profile cases, often representing human rights activists and political dissidents. Notably, she defended Koigi wa Wamwere in a treason trial and represented other opposition figures, demonstrating her dedication to the rule of law and human rights. Her legal work contributed to family law, especially in regard to matrimonial property.
Karua also represented opposition figures in other African countries, including Kizza Besigye in Uganda and Tundu Lissu in Tanzania. On 18 May 2025, she was arrested and deported upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where she had traveled to represent Tundu Lissu in court.
Political Career
Karua's political journey began in the early 1990s during Kenya's push for multiparty democracy. She joined the opposition party Ford–Asili in 1992 but later moved to the Democratic Party (DP), under whose banner she was elected as the Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency in 1993. She was re-elected in subsequent elections, serving until 2013.
In 2003, President Mwai Kibaki appointed Karua as the Minister for Water Resources Management and Development. In 2005, she was appointed as the Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs. During her tenure, Karua was instrumental in advocating for legal and constitutional reforms. However, she resigned from her ministerial position in April 2009, citing frustrations in executing her duties.
In 2006, Karua founded the National Rainbow Coalition–Kenya (NARC–Kenya) party, aiming to promote good governance and accountability. She ran for the presidency in 2013 under the NARC–Kenya banner, becoming the third woman to vie for the position in Kenya's history. Although she did not win, her candidacy was significant in promoting women's participation in politics.
In the 2017 general elections, Karua contested the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat but lost to Anne Waiguru. She challenged the outcome in court, citing electoral irregularities, but her petition was eventually dismissed by the Supreme Court. Karua then took the matter to the East African Court of Justice, suing the Kenyan government for denying her the right to a fair trial. The court found the Kenyan government culpable and awarded her Ksh 2.7 million in damages for infringement of her rights.
In the 2022 general elections, Karua was selected as the running mate for Raila Odinga under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. Their ticket was unsuccessful, but Karua's selection marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to be nominated as a deputy presidential candidate by a major political coalition in Kenya.
Advocacy and Recognition
Karua is renowned for her unwavering commitment to human rights, democracy, and women's empowerment. She has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and has worked with organizations such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the League of Kenya Women Voters. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition by Human Rights Watch in 1991 and awards from the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists.
Personal Life
Karua has two children and is known to be highly private about her personal affairs. A devout Christian, she often speaks about the role of faith in shaping her principles and leadership. She maintains an active public presence through her official website and social media platforms, where she continues to advocate for constitutionalism and integrity in public service.
Legacy
Martha Karua is often referred to as the "Iron Lady" of Kenyan politics, a testament to her resilience and principled stance on governance issues. Her contributions have paved the way for increased female participation in politics and have left an indelible mark on Kenya's journey towards democracy and the rule of law.
She is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in politics and an inspiration to generations of young leaders. As Kenya continues to grapple with corruption, inequality, and democratic challenges, Karua's legacy stands as a benchmark for integrity and public service.