Standard Group mourns death of journalist John Karume

Journalist John Karume was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. (Photo: Courtesy) 

Standard Group (SG) journalist John Karume is dead.

Mr Karume, 31, based in Kiambu County died on Saturday evening at Thika Level 5 Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

He was admitted at the hospital on Friday for a blood transfusion. He needed four pints of blood.

The journalist was diagnosed with breast cancer, a condition rare in men, late last year. Until his death, he was attending chemotherapy sessions at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.

In a story covered by The Standard early this year, Karume indicated that the diagnosis had changed his life, and given him a new resolve to live and enjoy life to the fullest.

“I have a stronger resolve to live, to prove that I can beat cancer. Even this one that is mostly associated with women,” he said.

His wife, Grace Wambui, said her husband was fine and responding well to treatment by the time she left the hospital on Friday at 9pm.

“He was strong and speaking well. He could even walk with a little aid. We talked about many things before I left,” she said.

The mother of two said the journalist later developed breathing complications and doctors tried to resuscitate him. At first he responded well.

“I have lost the love of my life and a great friend. I thank God for the time he gave me with him. I pray for His strength during this trying moment in my life. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Ms Wambui.

Karume’s  father, James Wachira, said: “We are at a loss following his death. He was a good and God-fearing man. We have accepted God’s will and we pray for his eternal rest.”

Nyeri Bureau Chief Francis Ngige, under whom Karume worked, described his death as a big blow to the media fraternity.