Rigathi Gachagua Impeached: Corruption, Controversy & Allegiance

Born on February 28, 1965, in Mathira, a village within the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua’s journey into Kenya’s political limelight is as complex as it is controversial.

 Gachagua’s family background is deeply rooted in Kenya’s fight for independence, with his parents participating in the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule. 

These early connections to Kenya’s liberation struggle formed part of the narrative he would later use to bolster his political credentials.

Education and Early Career

Gachagua’s academic journey began at Kabiruini Primary School between 1971 and 1977. He then proceeded to Kianyaga High School for his O-level and A-level education.

 In 1985, he joined the University of Nairobi, where he studied Political Science and Literature, graduating in 1988.

 During his university years, Gachagua emerged as a student leader, serving as the Nyeri District University Students Association (NDUSA) leader and chairing the Association of Literature Students.

Following his university education, Gachagua’s career took a notable turn when he underwent paramilitary training and became a District Officer (DO), a position that placed him in charge of internal security under the repressive regime of President Daniel arap Moi.

 In his role as a DO, Gachagua wielded significant power, using his position to build a vast network of business and political connections. It is during this period that allegations of him being an informant for the Special Branch—Moi’s notorious internal security apparatus—first surfaced, with accusations that he betrayed fellow students who opposed the regime.

First Foray into Politics: The Kenyatta-Ruto Alliance

Gachagua’s formal entry into politics came much later in 2017 when he ran for office in his tea and coffee-rich hometown of Mathira, vying for the Mathira Constituency parliamentary seat. 

At the time, he aligned himself with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then-deputy, William Ruto.

 This partnership propelled him to victory and established him as a key figure in the Jubilee political machine.

However, the once-strong Kenyatta-Ruto alliance crumbled ahead of the 2022 general elections, and Gachagua found himself at a crossroads. Siding with Ruto during the split, Gachagua became a target of the Kenyatta administration, facing multiple arrests and corruption charges.

 He famously described these charges as politically motivated, aimed at silencing his dissent.

In a particularly dramatic moment in July 2021, police raided Gachagua’s home and allegedly stripped him near-naked in front of his children during a high-profile arrest. The event only fueled his claim that the Kenyatta administration was using state machinery to persecute him.

Corruption Allegations: Billions in Unexplained Wealth

One of the defining controversies in Gachagua’s political career has been the numerous corruption allegations tied to his name.

 In 2021, Gachagua was charged with acquiring Ksh 7.3 billion ($57 million) in unexplained wealth through fraudulent means, including government tenders and procurement irregularities. These funds were allegedly funneled through an intricate web of shell companies.

When William Ruto assumed the presidency in 2022, and Gachagua became Deputy President, the corruption case was promptly withdrawn, raising questions about political interference in Kenya’s judiciary.

 While the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) cited insufficient evidence for the case’s dismissal, critics, including opposition leaders, viewed it as a glaring example of impunity.

Despite the withdrawal of this case, Gachagua continued to face accusations of amassing substantial wealth during his time as Deputy President. Lawmakers have alleged that he accumulated an additional Ksh 5.2 billion ($40 million) in just two years in office, despite his official annual salary being a mere $93,000.

 Gachagua has consistently denied these allegations, attributing his wealth to his family’s business dealings in real estate, hospitality, and construction.

 In his defense, Gachagua asserted, “All the problems that I am going through are because I am a truthful man. I speak bluntly, and many people don’t like that.”

The Family Property Scandal

In addition to the corruption charges, Gachagua found himself embroiled in a scandal involving the estate of his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, the former Nyeri Governor. 

During his impeachment proceedings, Senior Counsel James Orengo presented allegations that Gachagua had exploited his brother’s illness to gain control of his estate.

Orengo claimed that in February 2017, Gachagua traveled to London, where his brother was receiving treatment, and coerced him into signing a will just days before his death. 

“By the time the former Governor passed away, Gachagua had already begun withdrawing money from his accounts,” Orengo told the Senate, adding that fellow executors of the will had raised concerns about Gachagua’s actions. The scandal intensified public scrutiny of Gachagua, further tainting his political image.

However, Elisha Ongoya, Gachagua’s defense counsel, rebutted these claims, arguing that Orengo’s accusations lacked substantial evidence.

 “The constitution expects credible evidence for such serious allegations. This case does not meet those standards,” Ongoya told the Senate.

Political Fallout with President William Ruto

Gachagua’s relationship with President William Ruto began to deteriorate in 2024 as public discontent over the country’s economic challenges mounted.

 Once a loyal deputy, Gachagua found himself at odds with Ruto as internal political tensions escalated. Despite attempts at reconciliation, Ruto reportedly distanced himself from Gachagua, fueling speculation of a brewing political rift.

In October 2024, the political fallout came to a head as the Senate impeached Gachagua, marking the end of his tenure as Deputy President. The impeachment was the culmination of years of controversy, scandal, and political maneuvering that ultimately undermined Gachagua’s political career.

A Legacy of Controversy

From his humble beginnings in Mathira to his rise as Kenya’s second-highest-ranking politician, Gachagua’s political journey has been anything but ordinary.

 His story is one of ambition, controversy, and survival in the cutthroat world of Kenyan politics.

 While Gachagua maintains that his wealth and political success are the result of hard work and loyalty, his legacy will likely be defined by the scandals, allegations of betrayal, and the corruption charges that plagued his career.

As Robert Wafula Buke reflected on Gachagua’s past, he said, “He profited from the pain of others, and in the end, his actions caught up with him.” Similarly, Miguna Miguna commented, “His impeachment is not just about one man; it’s about addressing the culture of impunity in Kenya’s politics.”

For Gachagua, the fall from grace is a sobering reminder that political power is fleeting, and even the most well-connected figures are not immune to the consequences of their actions. As Kenya moves forward, the impeachment of Gachagua serves as a lesson in accountability and the enduring power of justice in the face of impunity.

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