Life And Times Of The Late Nderitu Gachagua

Nderitu Gachagua, the late Nyeri Governor, passed away in office in February 2017 at the age of 64. Born on July 29, 1953, in Ruguru Ward, Mathira Constituency, he was the brother of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently facing an impeachment motion.

Gachagua began his career as a quantity surveyor in the Ministry of Public Works in 1977 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Building Economics from the University of Nairobi in 1976. He served as a Provincial Quantity Surveyor from 1982 to 1983 before becoming the chief quantity surveyor at the National Housing Corporation.

In 1987, he established his own quantity surveying firm, which he managed until his passing.

His political career began in 2002 when he successfully contested the Mathira Constituency seat, serving one term in the National Assembly until losing to former Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina in the 2007 elections. Gachagua made a significant comeback in the 2013 General Election, becoming the first Governor of Nyeri County on the GNU party ticket, despite the prevailing TNA party dominance in the region.

A respected figure in Mount Kenya and beyond, Gachagua was named by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in November 2016 to lead his re-election campaign. He also served as the Chairman of the Council of Governors Committee on Agriculture, advocating for better coffee prices and addressing coffee theft in Central Kenya.

Gachagua’s leadership focused on inclusivity and agricultural development, aiming to spur growth in the region. He succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he sought treatment. His legacy continues to influence the political landscape of Nyeri and the greater Mount Kenya region.