Multiparty Democracy
In the first multi-party election of Kenya in 1992 and 1997, Maathai failed to reunite the opposition, resulting in the retaining control of the Moi government.
In 2002, Maathai successfully reunited the opposition to form the National Rainbow Coalition, defeating the ruling party then. She won the elections with an overwhelming 98 percent of the vote. Kenya achieved its multiparty democracy, ending the single party dictatorial government.
She served as a Member of Parliament in Tetu constituency, Nyeri district in central Kenya from 2002 to 2007. She was appointed the assistant Minister in the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources in 2003 and served until 2007.