IG orders probe as lawyer dies hours after meeting

Businessman and politician Karanja Kabage.

Inspector General of Police (IG) Hillary Mutyambai has directed the Director of Criminal Investigations to investigate the death of businessman-cum-lawyer and politician Karanja Kabage.

According to police report, Kabage was driving himself on the Southern bypass when his vehicle veered to the wrong side of the road, slowed down and appeared to be making a U-turn before slightly hitting the pavement on Friday.

“A taxi driver stopped and joined another Good Samaritan. The victim requested to be driven to Nairobi hospital,” said police Spokesperson Charles Owino.

Mr Owino said the taxi driver drove Kabage’s Land Cruiser to the Nairobi Hospital.

“They were accompanied to the hospital by the Good Samaritan who drove in a second vehicle. Upon arrival, the victim was unconscious. The doctors tried resuscitating him but was unfortunately pronounced dead,” he explained.

Mr Kabage died hours after making a presentation at a Mt Kenya leaders’ meeting.

On Friday, Kabage was among top presenters at first annual Mt Kenya High-Level Uongozi Forum 2019, bringing together scholars, politicians, business people and career civil servants held at Safari Park hotel.

Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia recalled the last moments with him at the event. “We spent the whole day with Hon KK as I call him at Safari Park Hotel where 70 leaders and professionals from Central Region Economic Bloc met to develop economic agenda for their 10 counties,” said the governor.

He said Kabage urged Kenyans to embrace clean and positive nuclear energy as an enabler to industrial and commercial economic investments at micro and macro levels.

President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogised Kabage as having a distinguished career in the insurance sector before joining business and politics.

Legal aid

He described the late Kabage as a resourceful person always willing and ready to offer legal aid to those who sought his help.

“It is painful to lose a great friend at a time like this. I pray that God will give the family, friends and relatives comfort and fortitude at this trying moment,” Uhuru said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said he received the news of Kabage’s death with shock and sadness.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. May God grant them strength at this trying moment and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Lawyer Paul Muite said Kabage was philanthropic, “he was the brains behind the upgrading of Kilimani Police Station after which it was going to be Karen Police Station.”

Kabage unsuccessfully ran for the Nakuru senatorial seat in the last elections.