Martha Karua Verified

Martha Wangari Karua is a Kenyan lawyer, politician, and democracy advocate known for her long-standing commitment to constitutionalism, good governance, and the rule of law, and has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for more than three decades. Born on 22 September 1957 in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, to Jackson Karua and Josephine Wanjiru Karua, she studied law at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1980, before proceeding to the Kenya School of Law, and undertook further studies at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa). Karua entered elective politics in 1992 as Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency, serving until 2013 and earning recognition as a strong advocate for democratic reforms, women's rights, and accountability in public service. During her career, she held senior government positions including Minister for Water Resources Management and Development and Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, and played a significant role in Kenya's constitutional reform efforts. She is currently affiliated with the People's Liberation Party (PLP), and in the 2022 Kenyan General Election was nominated as running mate to presidential candidate Raila Odinga, becoming one of the few women in Kenya's history to contest for the office of Deputy President. Widely respected for her principled leadership and advocacy for justice and democracy, she remains an influential voice in Kenyan public affairs.