Leaders wish Karume quick recovery

Concerns about the health of veteran politician and entrepreneur Njenga Karume have led several leaders to visit him at his home in Cianda, Kiambu, over the past few days.

Among those who have made their way to his home are President Kibaki and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, both of whom separately saw him on Friday.

The President was accompanied by acting Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia.

Mr Kenyatta said on his Facebook account on Saturday that he had spent a “wonderful afternoon” with Mr Karume on Friday.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, former President Daniel arap Moi, Cabinet ministers and MPs have also been to Mr Karume’s home over the past week.

The former Defence minister and MP for Kiambaa on Saturday said he was recovering. 

“I have been sick but I am getting better. Thanks to the prayers from my fellow Kenyans,” he told visitors, among them Royal Media Services chairman S.K. Macharia. 

Mr Karume has been out of the public limelight since he was crowned the chairman of the Kikuyu Council of Elders at a grand ceremony at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga in Murang’a in November last year.

Journalists were allowed to take photos of Mr Karume who looked jovial and chatted with Mr Macharia and Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda.

His wife Grace Njoki and their young son were with them.

Mr Karume and Mr Macharia talked about old times and their lives in business.

He was optimistic that he would soon be up and about and said he discussed plans for the future with President Kibaki on Friday.

On Saturday his daughter, Dr Wanjiku Kahiu, said Mr Karume has been ill for some time but has responded well to treatment.

“He has been sick and it’s not a secret but not critically ill as some people are saying,” she said.

The family did not disclose the nature of Mr Karume’s illness.