Karua promises to change Kenya

Gichugu MP Martha Karua has launched her presidential bid with a firm promise to change Kenya.

The former Justice minister told a charged audience at the National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi Wednesday that the fist step would be to clinch the Narc Kenya's nomination ticket.

"Every member is entitled to contest. The more the merrier. I am ready for competition," she said.

Ms Karua said if elected in the 2012 General Election, she will prioritise food security, resettlement of IDPs, corruption, impunity, education and insecurity.

"Kenya is a country with serious problems. Serious problems need serious people to step up to the plate." said the Gichugu MP.

She promised to put the needs of Kenyans and Kenya first if she ascends to the presidency and urged her supporters to "join me in changing the conversation at the local and national level".

On food security, she said no country can develop if it is unable to feed itself. Ms Karua said she will institute good policies that will be sustainable, increase production and manage costs.

Ms Karua said that "corruption and impunity is squeezing the life out of our country" and those who steal from the public coffers should be referred to what they are: "thieves and not heroes".

The fiery legislator has distinguished herself as a human rights campaigner and a vocal anti-graft crusader especially in parliamentary debates.

She carved a niche in the political scene by capturing the Juja and Makadara seats in a by-election against all odds.

Her party, Narc-Kenya, had sponsored the relatively unknown Mike Mbuvi, who floored seasoned politicians Dick Wathika and Reuben Ndolo.

In Juja, Narc-K's candidate William Kabogo floored the incumbent George Thuo, who was the joint-government chief whip.

Ms Karua has also distanced herself from ethnic political alliances and has refused to play second fiddle to Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta in central Kenya politics. She is on record saying that the era of political dynasty is gone and Kenyans should be allowed to elect leaders based on choice.

With the launch, the Gichugu MP becomes only the third woman to vie for the presidency in Kenyan history. In 1997, Water minister Charity Ngilu and environmentalist Wangari Maathai endured unsuccessful presidential bids.

She will join other candidates believed to harbour presidential ambitions including Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Mr Kenyatta.

Others in the crowded field are: Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi, Eldoret North MP Wiilliam Ruto, MPs Eugene Wamalwa (Saboti) and Bifwoli Wakoli (Bumula)