Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed as absurd the claims that he has accumulated Sh 5.2 billion since assuming office. He explained that the wealth in question is largely part of the estate of his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday evening, Gachagua clarified that he was appointed the executor of his brother’s estate, and much of the wealth attributed to him stems from this inheritance. He detailed that the properties mentioned in the accusations belonged to his brother and not to him personally.
Gachagua listed several assets, including Olive Garden, Vipingo Beach Resort, Queen’s Gate Apartments, and Lang’ata High Rise Flats, as examples of the properties inherited from Nderitu Gachagua. He emphasized that the allegations were misleading and intended to paint a false picture of his financial dealings.
He further insisted that the accusations are part of an ongoing smear campaign aimed at damaging his public image and undermining his position as Deputy President.
“Mutuse alleges in the National Assembly that Gachagua acquired these properties after becoming Deputy President in 2022, but they were acquired before my brother’s death. It’s the most embarrassing allegation a Member of Parliament can table before the National Assembly,” he said and confirmed attendance in Parliament to defend himself.
An emotional Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed regret over being forced to defend his late brother’s legacy, as accusations about his wealth continue to fuel the impeachment motion against him.
Gachagua criticized Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who sponsored the motion, for implying that the properties under his name as executor of his brother’s estate were illicitly acquired through corruption.
During a press briefing, Gachagua lamented the need to explain his connection to the assets, stating that it was unfair for his brother’s name to be dragged into the political dispute. He maintained that the properties in question were part of the inheritance from his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, and not the result of corrupt practices, as alleged by Mutuse.
He condemned the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish his family’s reputation, emphasizing that his role as executor was being misconstrued in an effort to link him to corrupt dealings.
“Those properties were constructed and operational when my brother was alive. I ask for forgiveness from my late brother for having to disclose your will publicly to defend myself,” Gachagua remarked.
He further explained that the Olive Garden Hotel, which he was accused of owning, was sold for Sh 412 million, with Gachagua receiving Sh 20 million from the sale, emphasizing that the Queen’s Gate service apartments are also part of his brother’s estate, countering claims that his wealth stems from graft.
“How unfair and cruel is it to attack a deceased person, a man who worked tirelessly for his family, purchasing land and constructing properties to secure a legacy for his children and siblings?,” he lamented.
Gachagua confirmed that his family owns Vipingo Beach Resort, a cherished holiday property of his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua. He emphasized that the property has been in the family for years and has not been sold, countering claims that he acquired it after assuming office.
Gachagua stressed the sentimental value of the resort, clarifying that it was part of his brother’s estate and had no connection to his role in government. He dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that his ownership of the property is entirely legitimate and predates his tenure as Deputy President.
“This is the viciousness we are fighting against, even targeting the dead. How cruel and insensitive can we be? This power struggle forces you to attack the deceased to eliminate perceived political enemies,” he retorted.
Also Read: Gachagua denies illegal wealth accusations amid impeachment proceedings
The impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, tabled in the National Assembly last week, accuses him of using close family members and associates as proxies to illicitly amass wealth.
The motion claims that Gachagua’s spouse, Dorcas Gachagua, and their two sons, Kevin Rigathi and Keith Ikinu, were involved in these activities, along with other relatives and associates.
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who sponsored the motion, alleged that Gachagua and his proxies operated several companies that were used to launder money, conceal proceeds of crime, and engage in influence peddling.
The motion further accuses Gachagua of misusing his position to secure wealth through corrupt means, implicating his family members in the process.
Gachagua has strongly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
“The value of the property and wealth that His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua has acquired over the last two years is incompatible with his known legitimate income, which is approximately Sh12 million per annum,” the motion states.
