Martha Karua resigns

yesterday, the Coalition Government of Kenya suffered a major blow when one of the most efficient people in the government resigned. Martha Karua has held the docket of Justice and Constitutional Minister since early 2008 after the disputed elections that caused a lot of bloodshed in this country. She tendered her resignation citing frustration and lack of support to carry out her duties effectively.

Martha Karua often referred to as the Iron lady is a clear thinker and is not afraid to speak her mind. I admire her courage and self confidence in the things she believes in. Some people term her aggressive because she takes on anyone who dares her-in fact she has previously been described as the only man in Kibaki's cabinet. In the recent past, she has been on the forefront fronting for reforms in the judiciary, and constitutional reforms which had endeared her to Kenyans. She criticized the government even though she was in it and when she couldn't take it anymore, she resigned. It will be remembered that she once walked out of a meeting during a speech by the former president Daniel Arap Moi, which was tantamount to digging her own grave in those days of major repression and oppression.

Martha is in the run for presidential office come the next general elections in 2012 and analysis shows that this has been rubbing her counterparts the wrong way hence the frustration she has been experiencing in her work.

I have been following conversations of my friends on facebook and elists that that I belong to. I have also been keeping track of news coverage and I must say that she has become a heroine overnight. The media has given her very positive reviews and given a well documented track record of achievements and thinking outside the box.

Young people have come out openly (mostly online-isn't it amazing the power internet has?) to show her support, women too and even her fellow politicians have backed her. Now for anyone familiar with Kenyan politics, this is a rare thing. I have personally always supported her, first because she is sharp and a performer and of course the obvious bias that she is a woman.

Today we are witnessing a new shift, I am tempted to think that our media is grooming her for the presidential office. I desperately want to believe that my fellow young people are realizing the power they have within them that when used appropriately can change the course of history of this nation. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will start recognizing people for what they can do and not where they come from. I do hope the resignation of this woman inspires a chunk of Kenyans to pursue excellence.

And I wish Martha all the best now and in days to come