Martha Karua was one of the most effective Cabinet Ministers under the Mwai Kibaki administration, this is according to Democratic Party (DP) Leader Justin Muturi.
Muturi says Karua, who served as Minister for Water Resources Management & Development under President Kibaki from 2003 to 2005, was so effective in her docket that she could not leave any queries unanswered and any issues resolved with all stakeholders.
“During Kibaki’s first term, one of his ministers who was very very effective was Martha Karua. Martha would not just take an answer [coming from the Bureaucracy]. She would make sure that she had dug deeper. Even call the member and enquire….”This is the answer I have received, does this satisfy your issue?”, and if the member says no, Martha would go deeper,” Muturi said in an exclusive interview with TV47 on Wednesday, December 10. “Whenever Martha would come to give a response, she will leave everyone satisfied.”
During Kibaki's government, one of his most effective Ministers was Martha Karua, she would dig and go deeper on issues. The system I drafted was to have CS's hold account but in committees. – Justin Muturi, DP Party Leader.#TheInsight #TruthHasANewAddress @debarlinea… pic.twitter.com/kC816BqAaD
— TV 47 Digital (@tv47digital) December 10, 2025
Karua oversaw significant reforms in the water docket, including but not limited to implementing the Water Act 2002 which accelerated the pace of water reforms and service provision in Kenya. This entailed reducing costs and tackling corruption.
During Kibaki’s second term, and now under the Grand Coalition Government formed in the aftermath of the 2007-08 Post-Election Violence, the “Iron Lady” was appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
On April 6, 2009, Karua voluntarily resigned from the Cabinet position citing frustrations in discharging her duties. One of the issues that led to her resignation, she said, was when President Kibaki appointed judges without her knowledge.
Muturi and Karua are now both members of the United Opposition, a conglomerate of politicians opposed to President William Ruto, heading into the 2027 General Election.
Other senior figures in the United Opposition include Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Fred Matiang’i.
