Advertisement
Raila’s death: Martha Karua would be President today if Azimio won 2022 election
15th October, 2025 09:10 PM
If the Azimio La Umoja coalition had won the 2022 General Election, Martha Karua would today be the President of the Republic of Kenya.
The 2010 Constitution of Kenya clearly provides that if a sitting President dies while in office, the Deputy President automatically assumes the position for the remainder of the term.
Also watch: Raila reveals why he picked Martha Karua as my running mate
In the August 9, 2022, election, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, who served as the ODM Party Leader and was the Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate, chose Martha Karua as his running mate.
Their partnership was historic, marking the first time a major political coalition had placed a woman so close to the presidency. Had Raila won, Karua would have been Kenya’s first female Deputy President.
Upon his death, she would have been sworn in as the country’s first female President under Article 146 of the Constitution.
What the Constitution provides
The Constitution states that when the office of the President becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, the Deputy President immediately assumes office to ensure continuity of government.
This means Karua’s leadership would not have been a matter of debate but a direct constitutional process.
Also watch: Raila Odinga as Prime Minister: Achievements and friction with Kibaki
The 2022 presidential contest was one of the closest in Kenya’s political history.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Raila Odinga garnered 6,942,930 votes, representing 48.85 per cent of the total votes cast, while his rival William Ruto received 7,176,141 votes, or 50.49 per cent.
The difference was just over 233,000 votes, showing how narrowly the Azimio coalition missed forming government.
The Supreme Court later upheld Ruto’s victory after Azimio filed a petition challenging the results.
Despite the defeat, Raila and Karua continued to influence national dialogue on democracy, constitutionalism, and governance.
Raila’s legacy and Karua’s leadership
Martha Karua’s political journey has been one of resilience, courage, and integrity.
A former Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, she played a crucial role in pushing for legal and governance reforms.
Her career has often been defined by her strong stance against corruption and her dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Raila Odinga’s death has brought renewed reflection on his immense contribution to Kenya’s political evolution.
Also watch: Raila’s daring political moments: From resigning as an MP to swearing in as people’s president
He was central in the fight for multiparty democracy, which culminated in the repeal of Section 2A in 1991.
He also played a key role in shaping the 2010 Constitution that redefined Kenya’s political and governance structure.
In moments of national crisis, Raila repeatedly chose unity and peace over personal gain. In 2007, he stood firm for reconciliation when Kenya was on the brink of collapse.
In June 2024, during nationwide protests, he again demonstrated restraint, urging peace even when emotions ran high.
For many Kenyans, his death is both a time of mourning and a celebration of a man who devoted his life to the nation’s growth.
