Highlights of Karume’s life

1929: Njenga Karume is born in Elburgon, Nakuru

1974 and 1979: Serves as nominated MP

1979: Elected Kiambaa MP on a Kanu ticket, re-elected in 1983 and 1988

1991: Moves a motion to repeal Section 2A of the Kenyan Constitution, urging for the restoration of the multi-party

December 31, 1991: Forms Democratic Party (DP) with Mwai Kibaki and John Keen

1992: Vies for Kiambaa seat on a DP ticket but loses to Kamau Icharia of FORD–Asili

1997: Recaptures the Kiambaa constituency seat on a DP ticket, supporting Kibaki

December 2002: Karume ditches Kibaki to support Uhuru Kenyatta’s bid as a Kanu candidate. A bitter exchange of words ensues but elders intervene to calm the situation.

December 27, 2002: Retains the Kiambaa seat

March 8, 2003: Wife Maryanne Wariara Karume dies in Washington DC while undergoing treatment

June 30, 2004: Appointed Special Programmes minister as Kibaki seeks to quell dissent within Cabinet by LDP members.

December 14, 2005: Moved to the Defence docket as Kibaki reconstitutes Cabinet following a humiliating defeat of a Government-backed draft constitution

February 21, 2006: Marries Grace Njoki.