Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Julius Karangi is facing mounting legal and financial pressure following a prolonged illness that has disrupted his once-thriving business interests, according to court filings and individuals familiar with the matter.
Karangi, who served as Kenya’s top military commander before retiring from public service, is now at the centre of multiple lawsuits filed in Nyeri, with companies seeking to recover hundreds of millions of shillings allegedly owed for goods and services supplied over several years.
The disputes have drawn attention to a complex network of business dealings that flourished after his exit from the military.
Court documents indicate that several firms, including engineering and supply companies, have accused businesses linked to Karangi of failing to honour payment obligations.
Some of the suppliers argue that contracts were backed by Karangi’s personal assurances, citing his reputation and influence at the time the deals were struck.
However, sources close to the family say the situation worsened after the retired general fell ill, limiting his ability to actively manage his enterprises.
The illness, they say, not only affected his health but also destabilised trust-based business relationships that depended heavily on his personal oversight and authority.
“The challenges began when he could no longer supervise operations directly,” said a person familiar with the family’s position, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
“There are questions about decisions made in his absence and how funds were managed.”
In one of the cases before the Nyeri High Court, a consortium of suppliers is seeking court orders to recover alleged debts and enforce contracts.
The firms argue that continued delays have caused financial strain and left them with limited options beyond litigation.
The developments mark a sharp contrast to Karangi’s public image as a disciplined military leader, highlighting the risks faced by retired senior officials who transition into private business without robust governance structures.
The cases are ongoing, with the courts expected to determine liability and the extent of the claimed debts in the coming months.