Karume was humble and generous: Leaders
Leaders are morning the death of former powerful political and business baron, Njenga Karume.
The politicians and civil servants said Mr Karume’s had left a dent in the national psyche.
President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his wife Ida, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and House Speaker Kenneth Marende all said they were saddened by Mr Karume’s death. Mr Karume succumbed to prostate cancer on Friday.
The President termed Mr Karume as a “dear friend” and “fine gentleman” as he lauded his legendary success in business and politics.
“Despite his failing health, Karume exhibited great courage and passion for what he believed in,” the Head of State said.
Former President Daniel Moi, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula and Gichugu MP Martha Karua are also among those who expressed sadness following the death of their political comrade.
Terming Mr Karume as “a friend, a colleague and a patriot”, Ms Karua said the country had lost “a great man”.
“He was a man of unparalleled generosity and a friend and mentor of many” she wrote on her Facebook profile.
Speaker Marende and Clerk Patrick Gichohi described Mr Karume as a “humble and industrious leader who was respected by colleagues, associates and competitors alike” .
In a statement, the two said Mr Karume was an “inspiration” to many.
“He was a friendly MP who was measured in his thoughts and guided his colleagues like an elder,” said Mr Gichohi, who’s been working with Mr Karume since the 1980s.
Selfless leader
Mr Murungi, in a dispatch to media houses, described Mr Karume as “a selfless leader who served the country with great humility” and one who, through their interactions was “industrious and dependable”.
Mr Kenyatta mourned: “He rose from the most humble of origins to the highest echelons of Kenyan society in business and national leadership. He has been and will remain an inspiration to us all.”
Similarly, Mr Wetang’ula said he was “deeply saddened” to learn about the death of the former politician.
Planning assistant minister Peter Kenneth said Mr Karume was “a treasured personal friend and an admired businessman, who diligently built a successful business empire through sheer hard work and determination.”
The PM and the VP, who both visited Mr Karume, when he was sick at his home in Kiambu, noted that the deceased had expressed a wish for a united nation free of the ethnic politics.
“(Mr Karume) was a voice of reason, a man whose presence brought calm and stability to otherwise turbulent situations,” Mr Odinga said in a brief to the media.
On his part, the VP noted: “He was among the elders I was working with to bring about national healing and reconciliation.
“His wisdom, at this time of elections and transition would have helped a great deal. It is a huge blow”.
Retired President Daniel arap Moi, whose closeness with Mr Karume is not a secret, said: “Despite his immense wealth and high social status, he remained humble, affable and generous.”
Dr Paul Otuoma, the minister for Youth Affairs, together with his PS James Waweru said his advice and voice of reason would be missed by those who knew him.
Kenyatta University VC, Prof Olive Mugenda, said despite his immense wealth, Karume was generous and got along with everybody.
