Leave My Late Brother's Estate Alone, Gachagua Pleads in Emotional Defense Against Corruption Claims

Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua delivered an impassioned defence on Monday evening against impending impeachment allegations scheduled for presentation to the National Assembly.

The nation had been in suspense throughout the day following Gachagua's announcement of a press conference regarding the motion, which primarily centres on accusations of fraudulently acquiring Sh5.2 billion during his two-year tenure. In a televised address, Gachagua refuted corruption allegations brought forth by Kibwezi West Constituency MP Mwengi Mutuse. A significant portion of his defence focused on clarifying his role as executor of his late brother Nderitu Gachagua's estate. With a notable display of emotion, the Deputy President offered a public apology to his deceased brother for having to disclose private details of his will.

"I take this opportunity to ask for forgiveness from my late brother James Nderitu Gachagua that today as your younger brother defends himself he’ll defile your privacy by distributing your will that you wrote in privacy. How unfair, how cruel can you be to a dead man? My dear brother rest in peace and forgive me for having joined politics because were it not for politics, you would not suffer this shame," he appealed.

He proceeded to outline the disposition of four properties: Olive Garden Hotel, which was sold for Sh412 million and distributed among beneficiaries; Queens Gate Apartment, sold to a bank for Sh600 million to settle outstanding debts; Vipingo Beach Hotel, which the family retained for sentimental reasons; and Lang'ata Highrise Apartments, which remain under family ownership. Gachagua also addressed allegations concerning various land parcels supposedly acquired through illegal means. He corrected the record regarding Ruguru Kiamarega parcels, stating they were located in Mathira West, not East as claimed, and were purchased legitimately for Sh3.5 million.

The property, he explains, generates monthly returns of Sh1.5 million through livestock rearing. Additionally, he clarifies his ownership of land in Kieni Constituency, purchased from MP Njoroge Wainaina, and a 29-acre parcel in Meru acquired through a loan from Solutions Sacco where he built a home to be closer to relatives. The Deputy President has provided a detailed breakdown of his financial holdings related to his brother's estate, including his 5 per cent inheritance valued at Sh20 million, another Sh20 million held in trust for their mother, and Sh16 million designated for his nephews. Gachagua told the press that as the deputy president, sometimes it gets lonely.

He explained that his parents and brothers passed away and his sisters are married. He further said that he often feels lonely when he goes home, which led him to seek land in Meru to be closer to relatives. This impeachment motion has ignited considerable political tension across Kenya, with public participation events marred by violence in various regions. Gachagua has sought legal intervention, filing a petition in the Nairobi High Court to halt the proceedings. The charges against Gachagua encompass alleged constitutional violations, inappropriate public remarks, misconduct in his role as President William Ruto's principal assistant, and purported unlawful acquisition of assets worth over Sh5 billion.