Njenga Karume’s grandson arrested over girlfriend’s death

Police in Kiambu are holding a grandson of the late Njenga Karume in connection with the death of his girlfriend.

According to police, the woman, 33-year-old Mumbi Kalungia, fell from the balcony of their apartment in Ndumberi, Kiambu County, dying on the spot.

Neighbours reported hearing Mr Kenneth Njenga Karume, who is a trained pilot, quarrelling with his girlfriend at around midnight before they saw the body on the ground at Gracia Apartments.

Confirming the incident, Kiambu Deputy OCPD Johnstone Lyabila said they were following up on the whereabouts of the woman’s next of kin so that they can inform them of her demise.

He added that the suspect will remain in police custody until investigations are finalised.

The Karume family has in recent years made news over property tussles.

In April 2015, the children of the late billionaire businessman and politician came out publicly to call for the removal of the trustees that were appointed to manage their late father’s estate.

Four of Karume’s sons and daughters said they were considering the option of appointing professionals to manage the multi million shillings business empire that was put under the management of the trustees appointed by the late Karume.

In May 2011 – 10 months before he succumbed to prostate cancer, the late Karume created the Njenga Karume trust to manage his vast estate, which was valued at about 100 billion shillings.

The individuals that were appointed as trustees of the Karume’s estate were Kungu Gatabaki, Henry Waireri, Paul Kihara Kariuki and Grace Njoki.

Kihara has since resigned as a trustee.

Among the key properties that were owned by the late Karume include the jacaranda hotel in Westlands, the Jacaranda Indian ocean beach resort, Lake Elementaita lodge and the village inn along Kiambu Road.