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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 served as President and Deputy President respectively. 

However, on October 17, 2024, Senators voted to uphold his impeachment by MPs, effectively removing him from office.

Latest articles on Rigathi Gachagua:

  1. Pressure mounts on Ruto to act as new abductions reported

    Public figures condemned the abductions, and called for immediate action, accusing the police of involvement in the disappearances.

    William Ruto
  2. PREMIUM Gachagua to Ruto: Order the release of all abductees

    Gachagua urged Ruto to immediately release all those believed to have been abducted during the festive season.

    Nation inside
  3. PREMIUM How top leaders will be spending their Christmas holiday

    ODM leader Raila Odinga will be in the village for Christmas celebrations.

     Raila Odinga.
  4. Stop with the lies, Interior fires back at Gachagua

    The Interior Ministry refuted Gachagua’s claims that the government has slowed down its fight against illicit alcohol, especially in the Mt Kenya region.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  5. Gachagua accuses government of going cold on illegal brewing

    He claims that the war on illicit brewing had lost momentum after he was hounded out of office.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  6. PREMIUM Questions over Ruto’s revolving door in key ministries

    The changes raise questions on how Cabinet secretaries are to lead the often complex negotiations.

  7. Kindiki speaks on Rigathi Gachagua exit, 2022 Ruto DP contest

    He said he had no regrets about how he ascended to the DP’s office

    Kithure Kindiki
  8. DP Kindiki on Gen Z protests: I have no reason to take responsibility for anything

    He defended his two-year tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary.

     Kithure Kindiki
  9. Gachagua’s Ukambani votes ‘condition’ to Kalonzo for Mt Kenya support

    Gachagua said the current two million votes in Ukambani are "not enough" to propel Kalonzo to State House.

    Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka
  10. PREMIUM Spotlight on Uhuru's intentions in reconciling with Ruto

    Allies of Gachagua, in particular, question the newly rekindled bromance.

    William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta
  11. PREMIUM Why Ruto’s carrot and stick won’t work in Mt Kenya

    Gachagua’s allies insist the threats of withholding development won't sway the region.

  12. PREMIUM Gachagua’s homes now guarded by ex-KDF men

    The former DP says about 300 volunteers are now his security detail.

    Rigathi Gachagua's private residence in Karen
  13. Gachagua to Ruto: Forget Mt Kenya votes in 2027

    Gachagua dismissed talks between Uhuru and Ruto as having no bearing in Mt Kenya.

    Rigathi Gachagua William Ruto photos
  14. Gachagua claims Sh104bn tender only motivation for SHIF 

    He says the lucrative tender is the only interest in the rollout of the Social Health Authority.

    Rigathi Gachagua
  15. PREMIUM Gatundu comes alive in Uhuru retirement

    The Ichaweri home has deep cultural significance and is linked to key historical moments.

    Nation inside (12)
  16. PREMIUM Ruto, Gachagua and how Uhuru is changing from foe to friend

    The trio's political paths converged at some point, becoming cosy for a season before souring.

    Rigathi Gachagua uhuru ruto meeting gatundu
  17. PREMIUM Why EACC wants public servants to surrender Christmas gifts

    The renewed enforcement drive could land hundreds of officials in trouble with the law this festive season.

    Gift
  18. PREMIUM Gachagua speaks on Ruto, Uhuru meeting

    Former deputy president downplays closing of ranks between president Ruto and Mr Kenyatta.

    Rigathi Gachagua uhuru ruto meeting gatundu
  19. PREMIUM Revealed: Fresh details of Uhuru, Ruto truce

    Top businessmen, family members and religious leaders said to have brokered the deal.

    William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta
  20. Bring back ‘alcoblow’ to curb drink driving and save lives

    Drunkards should be calm, safe and subdued.

    alcoblow