Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has opened up about her personal life, discussing her failed marriage and the challenges of raising two children as a single mother.
Her candid remarks came during a Sunday night November 17, 2024, TV interview promoting her memoir ‘Against the Tides’ which chronicles her life and legacy.
When asked directly about her status as a single mother, Karua responded with characteristic straightforwardness.
“You are a single mother?” Karua was asked.
“Yes, of two. I have already pledged into life as a single mother,” she responded.
Karua delved into the realities of navigating life post-marriage, emphasizing that not every separation comes with drama.
Shutting down any attempts to sensationalize her failed marriage, Karua firmly stated that there are no juicy stories about her past.
“If you are expecting juicy stories about that, no. Every marriage does become rocky because any disagreement can graduate to a big disagreement. It’s up to you to know the good time to walk out,” she said.
Politics
Karua also recalled how her opponents weaponized her marital status during her political campaigns.
Reflecting on the experience, she recalled how her opponents tried in vain to use her marital status against her.
“By the way I campaigned as Martha Njoka. And because my marital status was an issue during elections, I decided to show my detractors a bit of style. So immediately we were elected, I did the papers for change of name, got it gazetted. I was sworn in three weeks into January as Martha Karua. And that was it,” Karua revealed.
Balancing her political career with raising two children was no easy feat, but Karua credited her upbringing for her resilience.
“I think women are brought up to multitask. That’s why you will see a woman carrying firewood on the back, a child, a jerrycan of water, and something else. You see her carrying all that, then at home she will do so many things,” she remarked.
Through her reflections, Karua highlighted the strength required to navigate personal and professional challenges. She also emphasized the importance of self-determination in forging her path.