Njenga Karume’s children lying, say trustees
What you need to know:
- Three have obtained orders restraining the sale of immovable properties.
- There is also a dispute over Sh1.2bn.
Trustees of tycoon Njenga Karume’s multibillion-shilling estate have accused his sons and daughters of lying in order to stop the renovation of business buildings.
One trustee, Ms Margaret Nduta Kamithi, termed the suit by Mr Albert Kigera Karume, Mr Samuel Wanjema Karume and Ms Lucy Wanjiru as frivolous and full of deceit.
“The plaintiffs concealed and failed to disclose that they have been part of deliberations concerning the management of the businesses and that the trust disbursed all the amounts for their welfare, including the benefits each one is entitled to,” she said.
Ms Kamithi is the sister of the late Karume.
She defended Iseme, Kamau and Maema Advocates over claims that the firm failed to account for Sh1.2 billion realised from the sale of land to the Kenyatta University Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme.
She accused the three of unfairly dragging the firm into the dispute. Ms Kamithi said that at the conclusion of the transaction, the firm submitted an account of the proceeds to the property seller, Cianda Estates Limited.
'MALICIOUS' ALLEGATIONS
Lawyer Anne Kinyanjui, a partner at the Iseme legal firm swore an affidavit detailing how the transaction was conducted between June 2011 and July 2012 under the request of Cianda Estates and how the money was disbursed immediately upon instructions from Mr Karume.
“After completion of the transaction, the secretary of Karume Group of Companies, Naomi Kariru, confirmed the accuracy of the statement of account. The allegations are baseless, malicious and intended to damage the reputation of the firm,” she said.
She attached a letter issued by Cianda Estates chairman Kigera Thuo of February 29, 2015 before the start of the suit, confirming that the property’s sale was in accordance with Mr Karume’s instructions.
On March 27, the siblings obtained temporary orders restraining the trustees from selling, transferring or disposing of immovable properties held under the Njenga Karume Trust or dealing with Pizza Garden in Westlands for 14 days.
They accused the trustees of being opaque in their management, neglecting them and failing to pay school fees and medical bills for Mr Karume’s grandchildren.
Ms Kamithi denied the claims and gave details of the money that was released to meet such expenses.
“The trust has released Sh76 million on account of cash awards, Sh21.8 million for fees to international universities, Sh11.7 million for fees in local schools and universities, Sh16.6 million for upkeep and Sh3.6 million for travel,” she said.
She added that the trust paid out Sh17 million for medical expenses and Sh2.7 million for rent.
