Martha Karua Biography
Martha Wangari Karua is a prominent Kenyan politician. She is a one-time long-standing member of parliament for Gichugu Constituency and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She was Minister for Justice until leaving from that position in April 2009. She has consistently fought for the protection of women’s rights and improvements to the democratic process.[
Karua contested for the presidency in 2013 under the Narc-Kenya ticket making her the third woman to run for the highest office, after Charity Ngilu and Wangari Maathai in the 1997 elections. She emerged sixth in the race. She was chosen to run for deputy president after being selected as the running mate of presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the 2022 Kenyan general election.
10 Quick Facts About Martha Karua
- Name: Martha Wangari Karua
- Age: 41 Years (2022)
- Birthday: 9th May
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: Average
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Politician
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Salary: To be updated
- Net worth: Sh150 million
Martha Karua Age
Karua is . She was born on 22 September 1957, in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. She celebrates her birthday on 22 September every year and her birth sign is Virgo.
Martha Karua Height
Martha stands at an average height. She appears to be quite tall in stature if her photos, relative to her surroundings, are anything to go by. Nevertheless, details about her actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Early Life and Education
Martha Karua, born on 22 September 1957 in Kirinyaga District, Kenya, is the daughter of Jackson Karua and Josephine Wanjiru. Raised in Kimunye village, Gichugu Constituency, she’s the second of eight siblings. Her education journey included Mugumo Primary, Kabare Girls, St. Michael’s Keroguya, Kiburia Girls, Ngiriambu Girls, and Karoti Girls High Schools.
She completed her A-levels at Nairobi Girls’ Secondary before studying law at the University of Nairobi from 1977 to 1980. Subsequently, from 1980 to 1981, she attended the Kenya School of Law to fulfill the legal requirements for admission to the Kenyan bar.
Rise to Fame
In the 2013 presidential election, Martha Karua contested under the Narc-Kenya ticket, becoming the third woman to vie for the presidency after Charity Ngilu and Wangari Maathai in 1997. She finished sixth in the race. Additionally, in the 2022 Kenyan general election, she was nominated as Raila Odinga’s running mate for the deputy presidency.
Martha Karua Family
Martha was born in Kirinyaga District in the Central Province of Kenya as the daughter of Jackson Karua (father) and Josephine Wanjiru (mother). She was brought up in the village of Kimunye in the Gichugu Constituency, she is the second child in a family of eight, four girls and four boys.
Martha Karua Husband
Karua met her first husband doctor Charles Kamau Njoka in the 80s. The two lovers would subsequently join in marriage. It is nonetheless imprecise if Martha Karua and Dr Njoka walked down the aisle in an apparent wedding ceremony. Karua was once married to High Court judge Justice kariuki. Nevertheless, according to Justice Kariuki, the two parted ways in 2008.
This was not merely a regular divorce as it struck the national spotlight. This is because briefly after divorcing the iron lady, Justice Kariuki was captured and was charged with tried murder and causing unfortunate bodily harm. Kariuki was then charged of stabbing Robert Karori following a squabble.
Nevertheless, the case against Justice Kariuki was discharged for lack of proof. Justice Kariuki then sued the State for damages arising from hostile prosecution whereby he was awarded by Justice Justice George Odunga kes. 5 million. Justice Kariuki and Martha have not been seeing eye to eye following their dramatic divorce despite the fact that the two share two children
Martha Karua Children
Martha Karua is a mother of two Wanjiru and Njoka.
Martha Karua Daughter
Martha has a daughter, Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg who presently serves as the Executive Director of Rise, a collective initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. Prior to that, she was the Director of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). Wanjiru is too the Founder and past Executive Director of Akili Dada,
Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg is an Executive-In-Residence at Schmidt Futures, building an initiative concentrated on senior/executive Black women leaders globally. She is likewise an advisor and ambassador to the Rise program and supports the Talent Engine programs at Schmidt Futures to integrate global perspectives and a social inclusion lens into their work.
She worked as the inaugural Executive Director of the Rise program, a joint initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust.
Martha Karua Net Worth
Karua has an estimated net worth of Sh150 million. This includes her assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a Politician and Lawyer. Through her various sources of income, she has accumulated good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Martha Karua Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Martha Karua.
Martha Karua Wiki
- Full Names: Martha Wangari Karua
- Popular As: Former Member of the National Assembly of Kenya
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Politician, Lawyer
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Race / Ethnicity: Kikuyu
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Martha Karua Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 65 Years (2022)
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Date of Birth: 22 September 1957
- Place of Birth: Kirinyaga County, Kenya
- Birthday: 22 September
Martha Karua Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: To be updated
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
Martha Karua Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Jackson Karua
- Mother: Josephine Wanjiru
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Not Known
- Dating / Girlfriend: Single
- Children: Not Available
Martha Karua Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: Sh150 million
- Salary: To be updated
- Source of Income: Politician, Lawyer
Career
Martha Karua is a prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer celebrated for her staunch advocacy for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Her career trajectory, from a dedicated lawyer championing the rights of marginalized communities to an influential political figure, reflects her unwavering commitment to effecting positive change. As a Member of Parliament representing the Gichugu Constituency for over two decades.
Karua spearheaded legislative reforms to advance human rights, gender equality, and good governance. Her tenure in parliament was marked by relentless efforts to ensure justice and fairness for all Kenyans. Karua’s pivotal ministerial roles, including Minister of Water Resources Management and Development and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, afforded her significant influence in shaping Kenya’s legal and justice system.
Through her leadership, she worked tirelessly to uphold the principles of justice and equality enshrined in Kenya’s constitution. In 2013, Karua made headlines with her bold presidential candidacy as an independent candidate. While she didn’t secure victory, her bid symbolized a beacon of hope for those seeking alternatives to the entrenched political establishment. Throughout her illustrious career, Karua has fearlessly spoken out against corruption and impunity, earning both admiration and criticism.
Her unwavering advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and the rule of law has garnered respect both domestically and internationally. Karua’s involvement in founding and leading political parties such as the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and the National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya (NARC-Kenya) underscores her commitment to shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Membership to Committees
- Date:2008 – January 2013
- Committee: Member of Committee on Powers and Privileges – (National Assembly
- Powers and Privileges Act
- Position Held
- Date:2008 – January 2013
- Committee: Member of the Public Accounts Committe
- Position Held:
- Date: 2008 – January 2013
- Committee: Member of House Business Committee
- Position Held: Not Available
Martha Karua Political Positions
- 2011 – 4th March 2013: Aspirant President for Kenya
- April 2008 – April 2009: Cabinet Minister Of Justice & Constitutional Affairs
- 2008 – 4th March 2013: Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency.
- December 2005 – April 2008: Cabinet Minister Of Justice & Constitutional Affairs
- January 2003 – December 2005: Cabinet Minister of Water & Irrigation
- 2003 – 2007: Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency.
- Began 2002: Party leader of NARC – Kenya
- 1998 – 2002: Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency.
- 1992 – 1997: Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency.
- 1992- 1997: Legal Affairs Secretary of Democratic Party of Kenya (DP)
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
- International Conferences and Summits: As a key figure in Kenyan politics, Martha Karua has represented her country at various international conferences, summits, and forums.
- Campaign Tours: During her bid for the presidency in 2013, Martha Karua embarked on extensive campaign tours across Kenya.
- Legal Battles: As a lawyer, Karua has been involved in numerous legal battles both domestically and internationally.
- Women’s Empowerment Events: Martha Karua is a staunch advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.
- Human Rights Campaigns: Throughout her career, Karua has been at the forefront of human rights campaigns in Kenya.
Martha Karua Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Human Rights Advocacy: Karua has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice.
- Legal Excellence: As a lawyer, Martha Karua has demonstrated exceptional legal expertise and professionalism.
- Political Leadership: Karua’s leadership in Kenyan politics has earned her recognition both domestically and internationally.
- Women’s Empowerment: Martha Karua is a trailblazer for women’s empowerment in Kenya.
- International Engagement: Karua’s engagement in international affairs and diplomacy has been acknowledged through various awards and honors.
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Outdoor Activities
- Traveling
- Culinary Exploration
- Art and Culture
- Fitness and Wellness
Final Thoughts
Martha Karua’s legacy in Kenyan politics and society is one of unwavering dedication to principles of justice, democracy, and human rights. Throughout her distinguished career as a lawyer and politician, she has been a tireless advocate for the marginalized, a staunch defender of the rule of law, and a voice for accountability and transparency in governance.
Martha Karua Contacts
Related Biographies
You may also like to read the Bio, Career, Family, Relationship, Body measurements, Net worth, Achievements, and more about:
More About Kenya
Kenya is a land of contrast – highlands and plains; wet and dry; rural and urban and people of all races. This offers many opportunities to citizens, foreigners, and visitors alike.
Here is more information about Kenya …
- About Kenya
- Tourism in Kenya
- Nairobi Kenya
- Towns in Kenya
- Health in Kenya
- Hotels in Kenya
- Kenya Safari Guide
- Farming in Kenya
- Government of Kenya
- Counties in Kenya
- Constituencies in Kenya
- Secondary Schools in Kenya
- Colleges in Kenya
- Universities in Kenya
- Kenya Business Directory
Welcome to Kenya. Welcome to Opportunity.
About InformationCradle Editorial Staff
This Article is produced by InformationCradle Editorial Staff which is a team of expert writers and editors led by Josphat Gachie and trusted by millions of readers worldwide.
We endeavor to keep our content True, Accurate, Correct, Original and Up to Date. For complain, correction or an update, please send us an email to informationcradle@gmail.com. We promise to take corrective measures to the best of our abilities.