The parents of Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua are overwhelmed with emotion following her unveiling as Raila Odinga's running mate in the Azimio One Kenya coalition party.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV, Jackson Karua and Josephine Wanjiru revealed that they were shocked upon learning that their daughter had been named running mate - likening it to a miracle.
Karua stated that he was excited because, in as much as he knew that she was an astute politician, he did not expect her to reach the upper echelons, let alone in a highly contested election.
"I am very excited because I did not expect this. I did not think I would see the day when she would become a running mate: it had never crossed my mind and as a father, I praise God because he is the one who made this to be," the elder Karua stated.
On her part, Wanjiru was beside herself with joy upon receiving the news. She noted that Raila's decision had made her proud as a mother adding that the no-nonsense politician had impacted several women.
"I feel good because, through her, God has uplifted not only me but other women. She has always been hardworking and stern from when she was young. She was not one to follow crowds and always stood firm with her decisions," she stated.
Both called upon God to guide their second-born daughter, who while working alongside the Azimio flag bearer, will bring the much-needed change that the country needs. They hoped that God would guide her throughout her new leadership role.
"I think that the country will be better under her leadership because I know she is not one to sympathise with corruption, nor does she like to taunt others. In their hands, Kenya will be safe," her mother added.
While making her acceptance speech at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Karua recognized her family as those who played a great role in her seeking the running mate position.
"People of Kenya, family and friends, I am deeply honoured by the decision to nominate me. I am grateful to the many faceless teams of dreamers who have walked with us through and through - you know yourselves, thank you for never letting me rest," she stated.
The Raila-Karua duo will face it off with Deputy President William Ruto and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Azimio and Kenya Kwanza will forward the names of the presidential aspirants and their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) before the deadline slated for May 16, at midnight.
