Nairobi, April 29 -- Martha Wangari Karua was born on September 22, 1957, at Kathande in the Kimunye/Njuku area of Kirinyaga. Her village was a lush, green setting that spread at the foot of Mt Kenya. It was surrounded by the Mt Kenya forest, the beautiful Karia stream and the clear, sparkling waters of the Kiringa River.

Martha grew up under the care of her parents, Josephine Wanjiru and Jackson Karua, but her boldness was shaped by two women: her paternal grandmother, Mwaa Njogu, and family friend, Margaret Muchira.

Margaret was a teacher who spoke with poise and confidence. She led conversations boldly and stated her opinions without apology. She wore trousers in a conservative village and took pride in her work, at a time when it wa...