I was coerced to contest Will, says Karume's granddaughter

The widow of former Defence minister Njenga Karume has come out to defend his Will, saying he was in the right state of mind when he wrote it contrary to allegations by the family.

Grace Njoki Karume, who got married to the deceased in 2006, joined the side of the executors of the Will among them two step children Francisca Kahiu and Henry Waireri and the late Karume’s cousin James Njenga, who want the court to dismiss a petition lodged by their siblings.

Three of Karume’s children, Lucy Wanjiru, Albert Kigera and Samuel Wanjema, challenged their father’s Will claiming it was written when he was not of sound mind.

But their stepmother, in her sworn affidavit disputed the argument saying the late minister was mentally stable until when he breathed his last on February 24, 2012.

“I confirm that my husband did not suffer from any condition of the mind. He performed all his duties without any limitation until his sad demise. Indeed despite the fact that I spent many hours with my husband and dealt with him on a daily basis when he was in the country he never exhibited any signs of illness. He remained physically, mentally and emotionally fit,” Njoki said.

She further argued that her late husband confided in her and his daughter, Dr Kahiu, that his health was deteriorating in 2012.

“It is therefore extremely false and disrespectful for anyone to suggest that my husband’s illness had already incapacitated him at the time he executed his Will,” she said, adding that he was knowledgeable contrary to his children’s claims that he was illiterate.

The former influential minister drew his Will on June 6th, 2011 with the help of Iseme, Kamau and Maema Company Advocates (IKM). The firm had been accused of influencing how Karume drew his wishes but the widow dismissed the argument.

“I am aware of my discussions with the deceased that he had a lot of respect for the firm of IKM and it is unfortunate that the firm’s name is being besmirched unfairly at a time when the deceased is not available to defend it,” she argued.

At the same time, startling revelations have started to emerge in the case. In a letter addressed to one of the law firms by late tycoon’s grandchild and seen by The Standard on Saturday, she claims that Sh182,000 meant to upgrade her travel ticket was allegedly used to buy her word against the trustees and the executors of the trust.

Michele Wariara in her letter dated August 14 and copied to deputy registrars of the Civil and Family courts alleges that she was to have her travel documents to Japan upgraded to business class one.

“I was hesitant to sign the agreement. However owing to my desperate need for upgrade because of my medical condition, I had no alternative but to sign the same.”

Ms Wariara was to let go 10 per cent of the share she was to get from the multi-billion shillings estate as legal fees. “I have now had an opportunity of reflecting over the matter and sought legal advice on the contents of the agreement. I have been advised that the agreement is illegal as it seeks to charge legal fees depending on the outcome of the case,” the letter reads in part.

“I also find it morally wrong and unconscionable for me to pay anyone ten per cent of what my grandfather bequeathed me,” she added.

In the letter, she suggests that the two cases pitting the family should be amicably settled away from the corridors of justice.

“I have no problem with my grandfather’s will or trust or the people he left in charge of his affairs. I do not wish to sue my uncle, grandma and grandpa (James Njenga) who are among the trustees,” Wariara said.

The girl recanted the earlier position placed before the court and further attached Sh182,000 cheque refund of the money advanced to her.

And Dr Kahiu, Messrs Njenga and Waireri maintained that Karume was well when he drew his Will.

“In my professional opinion father was of sound mind throughout the period prior to his death. I confirm that my father was competent and full of mental capacity at the time he executed his Will.” Kahiu said in her reply to the allegations of her siblings.