Karua would have been Kenya’s first woman President if Raila had won

PLP leader Martha Karua in 2022/FILE

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua would have made history as Kenya’s first woman president had Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga won the 2022 General Election.

Karua was Raila’s running mate in the race that saw the then Deputy President William Ruto trounce them to become the fifth President of Kenya.

Under the Constitution of Kenya (2010), the Deputy President automatically assumes office if the President dies, resigns, is removed, or becomes incapacitated.

Article 146 (2) clearly states that “the Deputy President shall assume office as President when the office of President becomes vacant by reason of the President’s death, resignation or removal.”

This means that had Raila clinched victory and for any reason been unable to serve, Karua would have been sworn in as President, making her the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history.

Karua, a former Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, brought a reputation for integrity and reform to the Azimio ticket.

Her nomination in 2022 was hailed as a progressive step towards gender equality and inspired a new wave of female participation in politics.

Raila passed away Wednesday morning due to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India.

According to mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site

He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time. He was aged 80.

This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital.

Raila had been receiving treatment in Kochi, India.

He had been admitted to the facility for rest and recovery following a mild stroke he suffered in Kenya.

The hospital spokesman said Raila and his family had been visiting the hospital, which had earlier helped his daughter, Rosemary, regain her vision.

A police officer told the foreign press that information regarding Raila’s death had been conveyed to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for necessary procedures as per protocol.