Gender milestone as Karua dedicates appointment to Women

The appointment of Martha Karua as the first female presidential running mate ushers in a new era in Kenya’s political landscape under the new constitution.

While unveiling Karua on Monday at the Kenyatta International Conference Center(KICC), Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition Party Presidential hopeful Raila Odinga said it was time Kenya closed the gender gap and male domination of the executive.

“After 60 years of independence, history is calling on us to produce our first woman Deputy President. We have decided that the holder of this office must be a woman,” Raila said amid deafening applause from the crowd even before he could unveil Karua.

In her acceptance speech, she noted that indeed the time is ripe to have a woman in the top political leadership of the country.

“This is a moment for the women of Kenya, a moment that my late grandmother, one of the most instrumental women in my life would have been proud of, but she would not have been surprised because generations of women have fought for space in the decision-making table,” Karua stated

And as a firm defender of the constitution, Karua committed to ensuring a corruption-free government as well as championing social justice.

“Baba has allocated me duties in advance and I want to confirm that I am ready, able, and willing. I will not let you down. I will be steadfast, diligent in pursuit of our shared dreams,” she said

“I recommit myself to fully support Raila Odinga in his eternal pursuit of social justice and dignity for all. We have history to judge us. I’m proud today to say Raila Amollo Odinga Tosha,” Karua declared

But, the gender factor aside. What does Martha Wangari Karua bring on the Azimio table?

Born on September 22nd, 1957 in Kirinyaga district, Karua worked as a Magistrate in Makadara, Nakuru, and Kibera between 1981 and 1987.

She would later emerge as a prominent human rights defender and multiparty democracy crusader when she campaigned alongside the likes of fiery lawyers and activists Kiraitu Murungi, James Orengo and Paul Muite.

In 1992, she joined the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) and clinched the Gichugu parliamentary seat. Karua was recognized by the Federation of Kenya Female Lawyers (FIDA) for advancing women’s rights.

In 1997, she was re-elected as Gichugu MP and in 1999 she was named Jurist of the Year. She was instrumental in helping National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) clinch Presidency in 2002.

Karua served as Minister of Justice, National cohesion & Constitutional Affairs between 2005 to 2009.
In 2013, she unsuccessfully vied for the Presidency. In the 2017 general election, Karua unsuccessfully vied for the Kirinyaga Gubernatorial seat losing to Anne Waiguru.

Karua, who is also the Interim Mount Kenya Unity Forum Convener will offer the Azimio coalition her vast experience in national politics besides seeking support for Raila in the vote-rich region.