For the sixth episode, in collaboration with The Elephant and Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi!, The Civic Voice is honored to feature Martha Karua in the Intergenerational Solidarity Series.
In this compelling one-on-one conversation, we sit down with Martha Karua, a prominent figure in Kenya’s second liberation movement, to reflect on the country’s enduring struggle for democratic integrity. Drawing on her frontline role in the fight for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms in the 1990s, Karua offers powerful insights into the current wave of youth-led activism, particularly the Gen Z protests of June 2024. She draws striking parallels between the bold defiance of her generation and the fearless energy of today’s youth, both united by a deep demand for good governance, accountability, and transformative leadership. Together, we explore how historical resistance movements continue to shape Kenya’s democratic journey and why the fight is far from over.
About Karua
Martha Wangari Karua is a distinguished Senior Counsel, politician, and human rights advocate. She has been instrumental in championing democracy, the rule of law, and women’s rights throughout her extensive career.
Karua began her legal profession as a magistrate, serving in various courts including Makadara, Nakuru, and Kibera from 1981 to 1987. Demonstrating a commitment to justice, she established her own law firm, Martha Karua & Co. Advocates, where she took on significant cases, notably defending political activists during President Daniel arap Moi’s regime.
Karua entered the political arena in the early 1990s, actively participating in the movement for multi-party democracy. In 1992, she was elected as the Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency under the Democratic Party, becoming the first woman lawyer to be popularly elected to the Kenyan Parliament.
Throughout her political journey, Karua held several key positions. She served as the Minister for Water Resources Management and Development from 2003 to 2005, and later as the Minister for Justice, National Cohesion, and Constitutional Affairs from 2005 until her resignation in 2009.
In 2013, Karua made history by running for the presidency under the NARC-Kenya party, becoming the third woman to vie for Kenya’s highest office.
She continued her political involvement and, in 2022, was selected as the deputy presidential candidate alongside Raila Odinga under the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. Despite their loss in the election, Karua’s nomination marked the first time a woman was nominated for the deputy presidency by a major political coalition in Kenya .
Beyond her political roles, Karua has been a steadfast advocate for human rights and gender equality. She has been actively involved with organizations such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) and the League of Kenya Women Voters, working tirelessly to advance women’s rights and representation in governance.
Her unwavering commitment to justice and integrity has earned her national and international recognition, solidifying her status as a leading figure in Kenya’s pursuit of democratic ideals and social equity.
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