Karume’s long and polygamous family lineage

James Njenga Karume was a scion of the huge and famous Njunu family.

He was born at a settler’s farm near Lake Elementaita in Nakuru in 1929.

His father left the farm to start selling timber in Elburgon, introducing the boy to business early.

Polygamy is common in the family, with the politician’s father Karume having had three wives.

Karume’s grandfather, Wagachire, had two wives, Watoro and Kaheti and they had 11 children.

Njenga did not break the polygamy chain, although he married his wives at different times.

He had Njeri, Wariara and Rev Grace Njoki.

Wariara, who died in 2003, was the mother of eight children.

Njenga’s last child is Emmanuel Karume junior, born of his third wife Njoki in 2009.