Professor Peter Ndiang’ui, Fort Myers, Florida

In a nation where political choices are too often shaped by ethnic loyalty, populist
slogans, and personality cults, the question “Is Kenya ready for a woman
president?” is not only outdated—it is fundamentally misguided. During a recent
meeting, this question was posed to Martha Karua, a veteran politician,
accomplished constitutional lawyer, and one of Kenya’s most steadfast voices in
public life. Her response was as piercing as it was necessary: “When were Kenyans
ready for corrupt men like William Ruto?” In a single sentence, Karua laid bare the
hypocrisy of a political culture that questions women’s readiness for leadership
while embracing deeply compromised male politicians.
Karua’s answer was not merely rhetorical. It challenged the entrenched narratives
that define leadership through gender and identity, rather than integrity,
competence, and vision. Her point was clear: Kenya’s readiness should not be
judged by its willingness to accept a woman president, but by its willingness to
reject mediocrity and demand principled leadership. The real crisis in our politics
is not gender representation, It is the chronic tolerance for corruption, impunity,
and hollow leadership.
Martha Karua’s political record spans over three decades, marked by rare
consistency and moral clarity. As Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs,
she stood virtually alone in Cabinet defending the rule of law and pushing for
institutional reform. She was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Kenya’s
2010 Constitution and consistently resisted attempts to erode democratic
safeguards. Prior to her ministerial role, she made her name as a fearless human
rights lawyer during the repressive Moi era, defending political prisoners at a time
when doing so invited state persecution. Throughout her career, Karua has never
been implicated in corruption—an anomaly in a political environment where
integrity is often sacrificed for expediency.
Today, she remains a relentless advocate for justice and democracy. In the face of
growing authoritarianism under the Ruto regime, Karua has taken an unwavering
stand. She continues to speak out against state-sponsored abductions and political
repression, amplifying the voices of victims and aligning herself with grassroots

movements like 50+Million Kenyans, which supports political detainees through
legal and financial aid. Her advocacy extends beyond Kenya’s borders, as she also
denounces political abuses in Uganda and Tanzania, standing in solidarity with
oppressed citizens across the region.
Her role in the 2022 elections further cemented her credentials. As the running
mate to Raila Odinga, she became the first woman to appear on a major
presidential ticket. But Karua’s candidacy was not tokenistic—it was a strategic,
merit-based choice. She brought a level of credibility, policy depth, and ethical
ballast that resonated with many Kenyans disillusioned by status quo politics. She
represented what a functioning democracy could look like if built on justice and
accountability.
Despite this formidable record, Karua continues to face skepticism—not because
of any failure in her leadership, but because of her gender. That speaks more to the
maturity of the electorate than it does to her readiness. Meanwhile, the same
political space continues to reward male leaders with dismal track records—men
whose tenures have been marred by corruption, misgovernance, and repression.
This double standard must be confronted. It is intellectually dishonest to demand
accountability from one leader while ignoring the failures of others simply because
they fit into familiar molds of masculinity or ethnic comfort.
Karua’s challenge to Kenyans is simple but profound: judge your leaders by their
record and values, not by their gender or rhetoric. Leadership is not about swagger
or populist theatrics—it is about integrity, vision, delivery, and service. For those
with a history in government, their track record should be open to scrutiny. For
political newcomers, their promises must be weighed against credibility and
capacity. Empty slogans and staged appearances must no longer suffice.
If the presidency were awarded purely on merit as it should be, Martha Karua
would be an obvious front-runner. Her career embodies a rare blend of legal
acumen, political courage, and unshakable ethics. She is not defined by political
opportunism but by a lifelong commitment to justice and constitutionalism. In a
sea of transactional politics, Karua offers something radically different: principled,
servant leadership.

So, is Kenya ready for a woman president? The better question is: are Kenyans
ready to elevate substance over showmanship, integrity over impunity, and courage
over compromise? If the answer is yes, then not only is the country ready for a
woman president—it is ready for a Martha Karua presidency. Not because she is a
woman, but because she is the leader Kenya desperately needs.
A Karua presidency would not simply be a symbolic victory for gender equality. It
would mark a profound shift in how we define leadership—away from entitlement
and toward excellence. And in a country long held hostage by low expectations,
that shift is not just necessary. It is long overdue.

DISCLAIMER

This article by Professor Peter Ndiang’ui reflects independent political analysis and commentary intended to promote democratic dialogue. The views expressed are based on publicly available information, historical records, and the constitutional right to critique public leadership. They do not constitute an accusation of criminal guilt but a call for accountability, integrity, and ethical governance. The Diaspora Times upholds freedom of expression while affirming respect for all individuals mentioned.