Martha Karua Biography & Net Worth in 2026

• By Eddah Nafula

• 687

• Last updated Jan 5, 2026

Martha Karua is a prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer. She is often referred to as an iron woman. It will be unfair not to categorize her alongside the lines of Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom and Wangari Maathai, the environmentalism. Karua is known for her unwavering commitment to justice and integrity. 

Maybe, Martha Karua is not among the richest people in the nation due to her integrity that she has not amassed as much wealth as other politicians like Ann Waiguru, William Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua among others. In 2026, her net worth is estimated to be around $200 million Kenyan shillings. 

Martha Karua was born on September 22, 1957, in the former Embu District (now Kirinyaga County), she has been a significant figure in Kenya's political landscape for decades.  

Martha Karua's Early Life and Education

Karua grew up in Kimunye village, Gichugu Constituency, as the second of eight children. She attended various schools in Kirinyaga County before pursuing law at the University of Nairobi from 1977 to 1980. She later completed her postgraduate studies at the Kenya School of Law, qualifying as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. 

Martha Karua's Legal and Political Career

Starting her career as a magistrate from 1981 to 1987, Karua served in courts across Makadara, Nakuru, and Kibera. In 1987, she established her own law firm, Martha Karua & Co. Advocates, where she defended human rights activists and took on high-profile cases, including treason trials. 

Karua entered politics in the early 1990s, joining the push for multi-party democracy. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for Gichugu Constituency in 1992, a position she held until 2013. During her tenure, she served as Minister for Water Resources Management and Development (2003–2005) and later as Minister for Justice, National Cohesion, and Constitutional Affairs (2005–2009) under President Mwai Kibaki.

In 2013, Karua ran for the presidency under the Narc-Kenya ticket, becoming the third woman to vie for Kenya's highest office. Although she did not win, her candidacy was a significant milestone for women in Kenyan politics. In 2022, she was selected as the running mate for Raila Odinga in the general elections, representing the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition. 

Martha Karua's Net Worth and Assets in 2026

As of 2022, Martha Karua declared her net worth to be approximately KSh 150 million, an increase from KSh 56 million in 2013. She attributed this growth to inflation and her long-standing public service career. Karua emphasized that she had not acquired new properties and was not driven by the accumulation of wealth. Her known assets include a home in Nairobi, a house on her father's land in Kirinyaga, and a piece of land in Tigoni, Kiambu County.

Karua's financial transparency and modest lifestyle have reinforced her reputation as a principled leader. She has consistently advocated for accountability and ethical governance throughout her career. 

Recent Developments

In May 2026, Karua was deported from Tanzania upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. She had traveled there to represent Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu in court, highlighting her continued commitment to legal advocacy beyond Kenya's borders.

Martha Karua's enduring dedication to justice, democracy, and public service continues to inspire many in Kenya and across Africa.