The Evolution of Martha Karua: From Defender of Law to Realist Politician

Martha Karua’s recent actions and statements have shocked many Kenyans, including her long-time supporters. The question on everyone’s mind is: what happened to Martha Karua? Some UDA supporters have sarcastically asked if Azimio has "corrupted" her principles. The tipping point came during the Azimio rally when Raila Odinga declared March 20th a public holiday. Hearing Martha support this raised eyebrows across the country. How could a seasoned stickler for the rule of law, someone who championed the courts and legal processes, endorse such a move?

It is easy to forget that people change. Humans are shaped and conditioned by their experiences. A once soft-spoken, conflict-averse individual can transform into a radical figure when subjected to injustices and systemic failures. Is this the case with Martha Karua? To understand her evolution, we must look at the key events that shaped her political journey.

Martha Karua played a critical role in delivering Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, emerging as a symbol of reform and good governance. Riding on this success, she sought the presidency in 2013. Although her candidacy was admirable, the harsh realities of Kenyan politics hit hard. Her votes were not only minimalized but allegedly stolen. It was a defining moment for Karua, forcing her back to the drawing board.

By 2017, Martha returned to the political scene, vying for the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat. This time, she aligned with Jubilee, a surprising move for a politician known for her independence and principles. Many questioned her decision, given Jubilee's track record of corruption and mismanagement. However, Martha, ever pragmatic, understood Mount Kenya’s voting dynamics—party affiliation often trumps candidate merit.

Despite her calculated strategy, she was rigged out of victory in 2017. True to her principles, Martha sought justice through the courts, including the Supreme Court and the East African Court of Justice in Arusha. She left no stone unturned, but her efforts were futile. This period marked a turning point. For the first time, Martha Karua was fully exposed to the dirty, unjust realities of Kenyan politics. The experience was traumatic, revealing the depths of corruption and vote-rigging in a system she once believed could be fixed through law and order.

By 2022, many expected Martha to reclaim the Kirinyaga governorship. However, fate had other plans. She became Raila Odinga’s running mate, a surprising partnership given her history. Martha had never been Raila’s political ally. She often criticized him for being too radical, populist, and for his rowdy, fanatical supporters. Yet, life has a way of shifting alliances. The Kenyan masses embraced her like never before.

Suddenly, Kenyans remembered Martha Karua’s legacy—a woman of unshakeable integrity who has never been implicated in corruption. Unlike many in politics, her record remains pristine. The people saw her as a liberator, a clean leader dedicated to Kenya’s betterment. The admiration was long overdue, as is often the case in life. Good deeds take time to be recognized, but Martha’s patience paid off.

Thrust into the role of “the people’s Deputy President,” Martha Karua has become a different kind of politician. The experiences of 2013 and 2017 have hardened her, making her more realistic and pragmatic. While she still values the rule of law, she has come to accept that politics is not always fought in courtrooms. Sometimes, it requires resilience, toughness, and confrontation to achieve justice.

What we are seeing today is not a betrayal of Martha Karua’s principles but rather the evolution of a leader shaped by the harsh realities of Kenyan politics. Her support for Raila Odinga’s public holiday declaration should not surprise us. Instead, it signals her transformation into a leader who understands that real change sometimes requires bold, unconventional moves.

In the weeks, months, and years ahead, we are likely to see an even more radical and assertive Martha Karua—one unafraid to stand up to the injustices she has personally experienced. For those who are surprised by her actions now, Mambo Bado—we haven’t seen anything yet. Martha Karua remains committed to her core principles, but she has learned to navigate the rough terrain of Kenyan politics with both wisdom and strength.