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Rigathi Gachagua

DATE OF BIRTH


1965

GENDER


Male

OCCUPATION


Businessman, Politician

FAMILY


Married. Brother to late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.

BIOGRAPHY


Education: Early learning at Kabiruini Primary School. O- Levels and A-Levels at Kianyaga High School. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree; Political Science and Literature from University of Nairobi where he studied between 1985 and 1988. After that, he did Paramilitary Training at the Administration Police Institute in 1990.  He did an Advanced Public Administration Course at Kenya School of Government between 1999 and 2000. 

Early career: He worked in the Office of the President as a District Officer Cadet from 1990. He then rose to Personal Assistant to the Head of Public Service in 1991. He served as District Officer In charge of Ng’arua Division, Laikipia District from 1997 to 1999.

He served as Uhuru Kenyatta's Personal Assistant when he was Minister for Local Government. For four years between 2002 and 2006, Rigathi Gachagua was the custodian of Uhuru Kenyatta’s diary as his PA. As a Kanu presidential candidate in 2002, Mr Kenyatta travelled with Mr Gachagua throughout the country.

Mr Gachagua was the Mathira Constituency Member of Parliament between 2017 and 2022, when he ran for Deputy President as William Ruto's running mate on a UDA ticket. Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua won the 2022 Presidential election and now serve as President and Deputy President respectively. 

Latest articles on Rigathi Gachagua:

  1. PREMIUM How Gachagua-Kindiki rivalry mirrors Ruto-Matiang’i feud

    The recent elevation of Prof Kindiki calls to mind how President Kenyatta made Matiangi a super minister to cut Ruto to size.

    Rigathi Gachagua and Kithure Kindiki
  2. Ruto, Gachagua factions battle at CoG polls to replace Waiguru

    Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga (UDA) is gearing up for a battle with Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi of ODM.

    Ruto and Gachagua
  3. Mt Kenya MCA meeting ends in disarray as a section refuses to endorse Kindiki

    Trouble started when ward reps from east fronted Prof Kithure Kindiki as Mt Kenya spokesman. Those from west rallied behind Rigathi Gachagua.

    SAXoPicture-000000000616A920-941947601
  4. PREMIUM Why Gachagua skipped Ruto’s Nyeri church function

    Deputy President stays away from an event he was expected to receive and play host to President Ruto.

    William Ruto
  5. PREMIUM DP Gachagua allies allege revival of plot to impeach him

    Deputy President's allies allege revival of an impeachment plot is being orchestrated from high offices.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  6. PREMIUM Throne without a kingdom? Gachagua’s Mountain paradox

    Gachagua's path forward involves overcoming perceptions of ineffectiveness.

    Nation inside - 2024-09-15T072141.048
  7. PREMIUM Moi 1978 Gema demolition and ironies of Gachagua new revival bid

    President Moi's divide and rule tactics resurface as Gachagua faces rejection by his own MPs.

    SAXoPicture-000000000616BA60-77947339
  8. PREMIUM Ruto, Gachagua and the vicious game of numbers

    Can President Ruto maintain control as Gachagua and Kindiki clash for regional supremacy?

    SAXoPicture-000000000616A920-941947601
  9. Stop sidelining Ukambani, Ruto ally Victor Munyaka tells president

    Munyaka’s criticism of Ruto comes after similar claims from Johnson Muthama.

    Ruto state house
  10. Traitors and sell-outs: Gachagua chides Mt Kenya MPs 

    The DP says he is no pushover and is ready to take his foes head-on.

  11. 46 Mt Kenya legislators break ranks with Gachagua

    The MPs include Kimani Ichungwa and Kuria Kimani.

  12. PREMIUM Gachagua to ODM: Stop salivating at the Deputy President seat

    He was speaking during the funeral of Hellena Bett, mother to prominent businessman David Lang’at.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  13. PREMIUM Why Ruto, Raila deal has rattled ODM faction, DP’s camp 

    Gachagua's camp sees the entry of Raila's allies into the cabinet as a move to edge out the DP.

    William Ruto and Raila Odinga
  14. PREMIUM Ruto’s Weston Hotel bags most State hospitality tenders

    With 37 tenders valued at Sh57.9 million, the Weston’s prominence raises questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

    Nation inside - 2024-09-07T134431.943
  15. DP Gachagua to rivals: I will not move an inch in Ruto government

    DP Gachagua dismisses claims of internal threats in Kenya Kwanza government, asserting his place is secure.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  16. PREMIUM How new power balance could hurt DP Gachagua

    Alliances with Raila's western electoral base could replace Mt Kenya's influence in government.

    UDA running mate Rigathi Gachagua
  17. PREMIUM Mt Kenya elders’ ultimatum to Omar over attacks on Gachagua

    In two weeks Omar has released two hard-hitting statements telling off the DP.

    Rigathi Gachagua and Hassan Omar
  18. PREMIUM Ruto repeats history in iconic 1996 Weekly Review cover on Moi courting Luoland

    Despite the past opposition, the region appears to be embracing Ruto’s government, viewing it as a chance for greater inclusion

    Nation inside (93)
  19. Gachagua blasts Wanga, Joho in Ruto Nyanza tour

    He faults Governor Wanga for addressing residents atop President Ruto’s vehicle.

  20. PREMIUM Wake up and smell the coffee, angry Mt Kenya farmers tell DP

    Protests over dwindling and delayed coffee payments are now commonplace in the region despite “robust” reforms

    Rigathi Gachagua