The family of former Cabinet minister John Michuki yesterday held a private memorial service at his home in Kangema, Murang'a. Family members, friends and a government delegation led by DC Fredrick Muli converged at the home for the service.

Members of the press and residents were however barred from attending the function. A source within the family said Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta was among the invited guests but failed to attend due to other commitments.

Uhuru's communication director Munyori Buku had said the Jubilee presidential candidate would not attend the memorial. The source revealed that the family members had peacefully shared the late minister's property.

"We have not had any scramble for the late minister's property," he said. He said Michuki had written a will on how his estate, which includes the Windsor Golf and Country Club, will be shared.

"Michuki appointed President Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and former ambassador Jane Murai to oversee the sharing of the estate," said the source. Michuki died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi on February 21 last year.