Nyaga Karanja has officially joined the exclusive list of the sons in laws of influential Kenyan politicians.
His recent wedding with Maryanne Mudavadi, the daughter of Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi catapulted him into the limelight, captured the attention of the media, and sparked curiosity.
But who is this man who was bold enough to snatch the heart of the daughter of one of Kenya’s richest and most influential figures?
In this article, WoK brings you the profile of Nyaga Karanja.
Advocate
At just 31 years old, Nyaga Karanja boasts a remarkable career as a highly accomplished lawyer based in Nairobi.
He is an advocate of the High court and the head of the corporate and commercial department at KNG&CO Advocates LLP.
The law firm specializes in areas of dispute resolution, real estate, conveyancing, and corporate/commercial law.
Karanja’s expertise lies in corporate and commercial law, particularly in dealing with financial institutions.
His portfolio includes advising companies on intricate matters such as banking and finance, private equity, capital markets, and tax law.
He is also an expert in handling cross-border transactions, complex financing, and competition law matters, which places him among the legal elite in the country.
Academic Prowess
Not just a legal luminary, Nyaga Karanja is academically distinguished.
His accolades include a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution, and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Leeds.
His legal acumen was showcased In 2021 when he was among the 8 petitioners who challenged the constitutional amendment in the BBI case.
Karanja, who was only 28 at the time, was aided by lawyer Moraa Obote.
Lavish wedding
The much-talked-about union between Nyaga and Maryanne was celebrated in a grand traditional wedding that garnered significant attention across all media platforms.
The lawyer tied the knot at the age of 31, which, coincidentally, was the same age that his father in law Mudavadi tied the knot with his wife Tessie in 1991.
The union was not just a coming together of two hearts but also a fusion of traditions.
The couple adhered to customary practices including the Ruracio ceremony that was held in Mululu, the ancestral home of Musalia Mudavadi in Vihiga.
Prior to that, they had done the Kwara rutara ceremony as is customary in the Kikuyu community. This is a ceremony in which the bride and bridegroom’s parents officially meet.
The lovebirds exchanged vows at St Austin Catholic church, surrounded by friends and family and, predictably, influential politicians.
Among the big names in attendance were President William Ruto, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Cooperatives CS Simon Chelugui, Defence CS Aden Duale, Moses Kuria, Kipchumba Murkomen, and majority leader Kimani Ichungwa.
While Nyaga Karanja’s expertise and dedication to law are apparent, whispers of his potential interest in politics have surfaced, with rumors that his name might be in the mix in the 2027 general elections.
For now, the lawyer stands alongside the privileged sons-in-laws of prominent Kenyan politicians, joining the likes of Alex Mwai, who married Ngina Kenyatta, and Alexander Ezenagu, who became president Ruto’s son in law by marrying his first born daughter June.
