People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has turned 69, marking what she described as the final year of her sixties as she reflected on a long career in law, public service and politics.
Karua, who was born on September 22, 1957, in Kirinyaga County, shared the message on Tuesday as she marked her birthday.
“It’s official: today marks the last year of my sixties, I am sixty-nine and I thank God for it and pray for more,” Karua said.
The birthday comes as Karua continues to pursue her political ambitions, having declared her intention to seek the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
She has also maintained that she wants to be the opposition’s presidential candidate rather than a running mate.
“I will not be a running mate. I will do my best to be that united opposition candidate, but should somebody else be chosen, I am willing to support them without being their running mate,” she said in June.
But her birthday reflections have largely focused on the journey that shaped her public life.
Karua began her career as a magistrate at the age of 24 before leaving the judiciary in 1987 to establish her own law firm.
She later became involved in human rights advocacy and the struggle for multiparty democracy, representing activists and taking positions that put her at odds with the political establishment of the time.
At 35, she entered Parliament after winning the Gichugu seat, beginning a nearly two-decade career as a legislator.
She later served in Cabinet, including as Minister for Water and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Karua has recalled her decision to resign from government when she felt she could no longer effectively discharge her mandate.
“For me, integrity has never been about holding office; it has been about honouring purpose,” she said in her birthday reflections.
Her political journey has also included a presidential bid in 2013 and her historic selection as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election.
She is now leading PLP as she builds her political campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Karua has for years been associated with the “Iron Lady” label, which she has linked to her firm position on justice and accountability.
“Iron, to me, is not about being hard. It is about refusing to bend where justice is concerned,” she said.
As she enters the final year of her sixties, Karua’s latest reflections offer a look back at a career that has taken her from the magistrate’s bench to Parliament, Cabinet and the presidential race.
