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. She has been a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for more than three decades.
Born on 22 September 1957 in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, Martha Karua is the daughter of 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. She also undertook further studies at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa).</p>
Karua entered elective politics in 1992 when she was elected Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency. She served continuously until 2013, earning recognition as a strong advocate for democratic reforms, women's rights, and accountability in public service.
During her political career, she held several senior government positions, including Minister for Water Resources Management and Development and Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs. She played a significant role in Kenya’s constitutional reform efforts.
Karua is currently affiliated with the People’s Liberation Party (PLP). In the 2022 Kenyan General Election, she was nominated as the 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, Martha Karua remains an influential voice in Kenyan public affairs.
University of Nairobi ,Kenya School of Law (1978)
(1977–1980) ,(1980–1981)
Martha Karua studied Law at the University of Nairobi, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. She then attended the Kenya School of Law and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, qualifying her as an advocate. Later, she earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from USIU-Africa, expanding her knowledge in leadership and management.
People's Liberation Party (Party Leader) Parliament of Kenya (Former Member of Parliament) Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs (Former Minister)
1981–Present.
Martha Karua has over 40 years of professional experience as a lawyer, human rights advocate, and politician. Since qualifying as an advocate in 1981, she has served in various leadership roles, including Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency (1992–2013) and Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs (2005–2009). Throughout her career, she has championed democracy, constitutionalism, good governance, and the rights of women and marginalized groups.