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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. Gachagua declares Kalonzo 'tosha’ during Ukambani tour

    The opposition, including Jubilee's Dr Fred Matiang’i, held rallies at Tawa, Mbumbuni, Kilala, and Wote townships.

    Eugene Wamalwa
  2. PREMIUM General without an army? Ruto’s allies face backlash in Mt Kenya

    Political pundits warn that the 87pc dominance enjoyed by Ruto in 2022 is at risk due to "toxic" messaging.

    WhatsApp Image 2024-10-20 at 10.39.24
  3. PREMIUM Ol Kalou MP’s death sets stage for new Ruto, Gachagua battle

    President Ruto and his former deputy likely to use mini poll to show who holds sway in Mt Kenya.

  4. PREMIUM DP Kindiki vs Gachagua and the battle lines drawn in Mt Kenya

    The two are also locked in a legal battle, with Gachagua challenging the legality of Kindiki’s appointment.

    Kithure kindiki
  5. PREMIUM From Uhuru to Gachagua and back: Mt Kenya’s shifting alliances ahead of 2027

    Gachagua, Ruto loyalties redrawing Mt Kenya’s influence map.

    Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
  6. Insulting opposition leaders is unacceptable

    Calling them brainless murderers, rapists, plump “air-polluters”, and land grabbers, something is wrong.

  7. PREMIUM Let our dead daughters rest, families tell politicians

    Families of Regina Wairimu and Maureen Kinyua say politicians’ accusations over the women’s deaths are reigniting years of pain and agony.

    Regina Wairimu
  8. PREMIUM Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya to Ruto’s UDA: We will not fold despite the blackmail

    Ford Kenya has described the demand by UDA as a betrayal of partnership.

    Moses Wetang'ula and William Ruto
  9. PREMIUM Praise and 'pawa': Ruto’s delicate Homa Bay balancing act

    The Head of State is keen to demonstrate delivery while rallying support.

    Ruto
  10. PREMIUM Macharia Gaitho: We must reject vile, divisive politics

    The impolitic and bitter words exchanged from public platforms have exposed leaders who have lost all semblance of self-control.

    William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua
  11. PREMIUM Niko Kadi: Ruto, Opposition in battle for 6.3m crucial Gen Z votes

    Politicians have adopted the clarion call coined by Gen Z to encourage youth to register as voters.

    William Ruto
  12. PREMIUM Kwamchetsi Makokha: Rewards of performing madness

    When Ruto goes on the offensive, we have to ask whether he is exposing hidden truths or asserting control in a space where control is slipping.

    President William Ruto in Busia Town
  13. Ruto, Opposition politicians’ ugly exchanges must stop

    Freedom of speech should be exercised with integrity by shunning politics of shame.

    President William Ruto
  14. ‘Stay in your lane’: Wanga and Wandayi criticise Gachagua and Orengo

    'Leave ODM alone and focus on your small party.' — Gladys Wanga to Rigathi Gachagua

     James Orengo
  15. PREMIUM Eight political battles threatening Mt Kenya unity ahead of 2027

    Mt Kenya region risks degenerating into a full-blown political warzone.

    President William Ruto
  16. Millicent Omanga dances at DCP headquarters, formally joins Gachagua party

  17. PREMIUM Unchecked pettiness: Kenya courts trouble as politicians go bare-knuckles ahead of 2027

    Ruto escalated the war of words with attacks on opposition leaders.

    President William Ruto in Busia Town
  18. Our leaders should stop insults, ugly exchanges

    Some of the leaders have lately been engaging in disrespectful exchanges using vulgar language.

  19. PREMIUM Gloves off: Ruto hits at political rivals

    The President describes opposition chiefs as 'fools, murderers, charlatans, brainless, idiots, conmen, fraudsters and scavengers.'

    President William Ruto
  20. Gachagua: Ruto should keep off Nairobi Hospital, it's a private facility