Court Affirms Heirs to Billion-Shilling Njenga Karume Estate.

On 16 June 2025, the Nairobi High Court delivered a landmark ruling in Succession Cause 3102 of 2013, fully endorsing the probate grant of the late businessman and politician James “Njenga” Karume, and dismissing objections from some family members seeking a revised asset distribution.

Background of the Legal Battle

Njenga Karume passed away on 24 February 2014, leaving behind a considerable estate and a validated will. Justice P.M. Nyaundi confirmed the probate in April 2014, appointing James Raymond Njenga, Stephen Ndungu Karau, and Francisca Wanjiku Kahiu as executors.

While the executors and most heirs later reached a consent settlement on 9 February 2025, allowing distribution of assets, the late Joseph Karume Njenga’s spouse and daughter registered a protest. Their objections included:

Exclusion from planned distributions.
No compensation for the sale of a South C property (LR No. 2019/5236) by Karume Investment Ltd, sold for KSh 79 million.
Exclusion from the family‑linked boards.
Concern that other nephews—Kenneth Wathuge Karume and Jamal Karume Omori—were listed as beneficiaries.

⚖️ Court’s Decision

Justice Nyaundi dismissed the protests and confirmed the probate grant. Key findings:

The protestors are entitled to pursue distribution through Joseph’s estate and do not derail settling Njenga’s estate.
The South C property belonged to a private investment company, not Mr Karume's personal estate—so its sale proceeds are not distributable.
Allegations about company board seating are beyond the court’s jurisdiction and should be handled via corporate channels.
Executors met obligations under the Kenya Evidence Act and the Law of Succession Act, ensuring fair provision per the late Karume’s will.