By Ally Jamah

The past months has seen Gichugu MP Martha Karua, the “Iron Lady” of politics hit the campaign trail in her bold and strong-willed attempt to be Kenya’s first female president and Africa’s third.

But on Thursday, she broke new ground when she generated a huge buzz on Twitter by answering live questions from both fans and foes from around the world in what may leave her opponents in the tough presidential race asking themselves “why didn’t we think of that?”

For close to an hour, Karua literally ruled “Twitter-sphere” as she struggled to keep up with a flood of questions in what may be termed as a virtual press conference. She launched a new Twitter handle, #AskMarthaThur, which she will be using to answer questions from supporters and critics.

 Currently, Karua has close to 70,000 followers on Twitter.

Nearly all politicians have opened “offices” on the internet that comprise of websites and accounts on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. But Karua’s live sessions launched on Thursday took competition to a higher level.

One participant couldn’t hide his admiration for Karua for launching the question and answer session, which will be running every Thursday.

“You are ahead of the pack. Now see, another first one from you!” he said.

Another quipped; “We are starved of real leadership. Most leaders ask for our opinion but they do not give us what we want! Thanks for the platform.” Yet another called her “a leader who truly knows the power of social media.”

She was forced to extend the session several times when she was overwhelmed by questions from participants. Even after the live session was closed, questions continued flowing in.

Karua took questions on a wide-range of subjects that included reforms, tackling corruption as well as her plans for managing what would turn out to a huge oil find in Kenya.

family person

“My priority once I become president will be to restore the rule of law and get down to tackling pressing issues like basic needs, youth unemployment and security. I will be guided by the Constitution we voted for,” she said.

A participant wondered how Karua could become president without having a spouse. He asked: “You say you want the top office but who will be the first man? We need family person to lead us.”

But the “Iron Lady” hit back saying, “Just ask yourself whether the problems we have today are because we lack first ladies or first men!”

About her presidential running mate, Karua said she is still considering her options and once she is confirmed as Narc-Kenya’s flag-bearer, she would choose a man  “who shares the same ideals as her.

Asked about her role in defending the disputed 2007 election results that led to post-election violence, she curtly answered: “I had no role in any malpractice but I was President Mwai Kibaki’s agent and I worked alongside agents of other candidates.”

Asked how she will ensure that oil discovery in Kenya does not turn to be a curse, she fired back saying only appropriate laws and policies will save the situation and ensure local communities in oil areas benefit.

Many presidential candidates are turning to tools that the Internet provides to campaign, including blogs.