Martha Karua’s parents react to her presidential running mate nomination

The immediate family of NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has spoken out about her nomination as the Azimio La Umoja presidential running mate ahead of the August polls.

Led by Karua’s mother, Josephine Wanjiru, the family exuded confidence that the long-time lawyer and human rights defender has what it takes to steer the country alongside Raila Odinga if they clinch the presidency in the General Election.

“She has been a hardworking, focused and ambitious child growing up, what is seen as her being tough is essentially because she stands for what she believes in and does not follow convention and stands for what she believes is right,” said Wanjiru.

The matriarch said she was anticipating her daughter’s leadership, should she get into the second most powerful office in the country, which she described as different and result-oriented.

“I am hopeful for her governance because I have known her as someone who cannot stand corruption and whose style of politics is not about a game of insults but getting the work done. If God helps them win this, it will be a win for the entire country,” she said.

Ms. Karua’s father, Jackson, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the appointment, further hoping she and Odinga will transform the country if they win the bid.

“I am very excited because I did not imagine her getting it. Her as a running mate did not cross my mind. I just thank God for making this happen for my daughter,” he said, adding: “I just pray that both lead this country into a better place than they found it.”

On his part, Karua’s younger brother, Nyage, hailed her as a leader of integrity.

“My sister has charted her own way into the political level but we never thought it would reach that level but God has been gracious she has become what she is today,” Nyage said, fighting emotions.

“Being a person of integrity and one who believes in what she wants, she’s going to change the course of this country. I don’t even have words. I know she will chart the course of this country to be a great country,” he added.

Speaking on Monday after being announced as Odinga’s running mate, Karua termed the appointment as a historic moment for women in Kenya.

“This nomination is truly a collective honour that cannot be left for me alone to savour, a personal as well as national journey,” said the NARC-Kenya party leader.

“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.”

While listing notable female figures who she said paved the way for women to fight for a place in leadership, Karua said her nomination was a chance for more women to be included in positions of power across the country.

“From Biblical Esther to Field Marshall Muthoni wa Kirima, Mekalitili wa Menza, Moraa Ngiti, Priscilla Abwao, Grace Onyango, Chelagat Mutai and our very Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Mathaai, just to name a few, women have been instrumental in pursuing change and this is our moment as women and men of kenya to usher more of us into the national and county level,” said Karua.

Karua who is a renowned Kenyan human rights defender and reform champion with a deep commitment to social justice at the same time assured that their government shall be keen to fight for social justice.

“I recommit myself to fully support Hon. Raila Odinga in his eternal pursuit of social justice and justice for all…we have history to judge us,” said Karua.

Should Odinga and Karua clinch the presidency on August 9, she will be the country’s first female deputy president.