How the Late Governor Gachagua Distributed His Sh2 Billion Estate

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed his frustration yesterday regarding the sponsors of his impeachment motion, accusing them of dragging his late brother’s estate into the controversy.

Speaking from his official residence in Karen, Gachagua claimed that some properties he was alleged to have obtained illegally actually belonged to his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. He noted that he was named as one of the executors of Nderitu’s substantial estate, which was valued at Sh2 billion.

According to Nderitu Gachagua’s will, the estate was to be sold, with the proceeds distributed among 24 beneficiaries. Nderitu, who passed away in February 2017 while in office, specified that all assets—except for three houses designated for his two widows and two sons—should be liquidated.

Among the beneficiaries are two sons born out of wedlock, Jason Kariuki and Aston Gachagua, who are to receive their inheritance under the management of their mothers, Susan Wanjiru and Eva Mukami. The estate includes notable properties such as Olive Garden Hotel in Nairobi, Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi, and Queens Gate Serviced Apartments in Nairobi.

None of the beneficiaries received more than 10% of the wealth. Gachagua acknowledged his polygamous status, leaving his Langata house to his first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, and the matrimonial home in Karen to his second wife, Margaret Waithegeni.

He designated his ancestral home in Hiriga, Nyeri County, to be shared equally by his sons, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Gachagua. Additionally, he left shares in Mweiga Homes to his younger brother, Geoffrey Rigathi.

Gachagua instructed the executors of his will, including Rigathi, his friend Mwai Mathenge, and lawyer Njoroge Regeru, to liquidate the estate’s assets and distribute the net proceeds after settling liabilities. For their services, he allocated them 5% of the proceeds.

Kenneth and Jason Gachagua, along with their sisters Susan Kirigo and Mercy Wanja, received the largest portions, each inheriting 10% of the estate, while their mothers received 5% each. Gachagua also provided a 5% share to his mother, Martha Kirigo, with Rigathi holding it in trust for her.

Rigathi himself inherited 5%, while another brother, Jackson Ririani, received 4%. Gachagua’s son with Ms. Mukami was allocated 5%, while Wanjiru’s son received 3%. Additionally, he left 4% of the estate’s income to the three children of his late brother, Fred Wachira.

The distribution of wealth reflects Gachagua’s close relationships, with the beneficiaries allocated shares based on their proximity to him. His sisters, including Dorcas Rigathi and Jennifer Gacheke, received smaller shares, and his step-siblings shared 3% of the estate. The remaining 11% is earmarked for settling taxes and administering the estate.