This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
Michelle Karume, the 26-year-old granddaughter of billionaire politician Njenga Karume, has died in the US. She passed away last Saturday, days after penning a heart-wrenching plea for funds to treat her cancer.
According to her emotional letter, Michelle had been struggling to access basic medicines, including painkillers, due to a lack of funds. The letter, which was shared with the family's lawyers, painted a picture of a desperate last few months.
Michelle's grandfather, Njenga Karume, had left behind an estate estimated at Sh17.8 billion, with Michelle being one of the beneficiaries. However, the inheritance battle for the estate has been ongoing, with Michelle's family accusing the trustees of neglecting her.
Michelle's letter, dated last December, revealed that she had been struggling to access medical treatment for at least three years. She had even missed out on a clinical trial in 2016 due to lack of funds, which could have arrested the cancer before it progressed further.
Despite the efforts of the court to provide her with the required funds, Michelle's situation continued to deteriorate. Her letter expressed her frustration and desperation, stating that her time was running out and that she was waiting for a phone call that never came.
Michelle's death has sparked outrage, with many questioning how someone who was heir to billions could die in such a state of destitution. The inheritance battle for Njenga Karume's estate continues to rage on, with many hoping that justice will be served.
