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Suzanna Owiyo celebrates Martha Karua’s journey from childhood to leadership
25th September, 2026 09:18 AM
Kenyan award-winning musician and singer Suzanna Owiyo has celebrated People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Martha Karua’s journey from her childhood years to becoming a prominent lawyer and leader.
Owiyo shared her reflections after attending Karua’s 69th birthday celebration, which was held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, September 24, Owiyo said the celebration offered guests an opportunity to hear about different stages of Karua’s life and the experiences that shaped her.
Reflection on Karua’s journey
Owiyo said she enjoyed listening to Karua speak about her childhood, formative years and the experiences that later shaped her public life. She described the evening as a chance to look beyond Karua’s public image and hear more about the journey that came before her years in leadership.
“An evening well spent celebrating the remarkable journey of Hon. Martha Karua. From her childhood and formative years to the woman, leader and trailblazer she has become, she took us through her journey with honesty, humour and grace,” Owiyo said.
She added that listening to Karua speak about the milestones and challenges she had experienced offered a different perspective on her journey. “It was inspiring to hear about the experiences that shaped her, the milestones, the challenges and the convictions that have defined her journey,” she added.
Owiyo receives Karua’s signed book
The celebration also gave Owiyo a chance to receive a personal keepsake from Karua. Owiyo said she was delighted to receive a copy of Karua’s book, which had been personally signed by the former minister.
“I was especially delighted to receive a copy of her book, personally signed by her. A beautiful keepsake and a story I look forward to reading,” she said.
She ended her message by celebrating Karua’s life and the years she has spent in public service. “Here’s to celebrating a life of purpose, courage and service,” Owiyo added.
Inside Karua’s 69th birthday celebration
The birthday gathering brought together family, friends and people close to Karua for an evening of celebration. Videos shared online showed guests dancing and singing as they marked the occasion. Food was also served, while speeches formed part of the evening’s programme.
Karua later joined those present to cut her birthday cake as she marked her 69th birthday. Born on September 22, 1957, Karua has spent several decades in the legal and public service sectors.
Karua’s September trip down memory lane
The birthday celebration came at the end of a month in which Karua had been sharing throwback photographs and memories from different stages of her life. Throughout September, she reflected on her 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, using old photographs to revisit moments that shaped her personal and professional journey.
One of the photographs showed Karua during her younger years, accompanied by a reflection on becoming a magistrate at the age of 24.
Looking back at her life
Karua’s birthday reflections have also touched on different stages of her public life, including her time in the judiciary, legal practice and government. Her posts throughout September have allowed her followers to see old photographs while learning more about the experiences behind them.
For Owiyo, attending the birthday celebration provided an opportunity to celebrate that journey in person.
The evening therefore offered a more personal side of Karua’s birthday, bringing together people close to her to mark 69 years while reflecting on the different chapters that have shaped her life.
