Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Orchestrating Family Rift Over Late Brother’s Wealth

Former DP Rigathi gachagua/Screengrab

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, March 27, dismissed allegations by the family of his late brother Nderitu Gachagua that he disinherited them, terming the claims politically instigated.

Speaking during an interview, Gachagua rubbished a letter reportedly written by his niece to President William Ruto, in which the family sought intervention and protection from what they described as a powerful relative.

The former Deputy President accused President Ruto of orchestrating the move, alleging that his relatives had been influenced to write the letter in a bid to tarnish his reputation.

“Yesterday, Wamumbi took them to State House, where they were told to sign some letters which are now circulating. I don't care; this is hot air and politics, and we will dismantle it,” Gachagua reiterated.

He further claimed that some of his nieces and nephews had been promised incentives, including appointments and business opportunities, to push the claims against him.

“I hear one of my nieces has been promised a board position so that they can complain about me, and another was promised a business opportunity. They have also been promised money, which is okay because I do not have money to give them,” he added.

According to Gachagua, some family members had been misled into believing they could benefit more by reopening the succession dispute, warning that the matter had already been settled legally.

“We went to court in 2018, and all of us told the judge that we had agreed with the content of the Will. The courts adopted the will and allowed the executors to go ahead and execute the Will,” he stated.

He denied claims of forging his brother’s will, maintaining that the estate was distributed in line with the deceased’s wishes, which included multiple beneficiaries.

“The late Gachagua gave his property to everybody; his two wives, his four children, and he had other women in his life whom he included in the will - two of them and their children,” he disclosed.

Gachagua said he was among three executors entrusted with implementing the will, adding that the estate was meant to settle debts before distribution among beneficiaries.

At the same time, he lashed out at the relatives behind the letter, insisting that any legal challenge was long overdue.

“They should shut up and shut up forever. If they want to, they can go back to court, but the window for appeal is over,” he reiterated.

He also warned that the President was using them for political ends and would eventually abandon them.

Meanwhile, the family of the late Nderitu Gachagua has appealed to President Ruto to intervene in what they describe as a long-running and painful dispute over the administration of the estate.

In a statement dated Friday, March 27, 2026, the family said they had been forced to go public after efforts to resolve the matter privately failed.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, we, the family of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, have made the very difficult decision to go public on matters concerning our rightful inheritance,” the statement reads.

They noted that they had initially remained silent out of respect and hope for a quiet resolution, but the situation had persisted.

“However, the prolonged nature of these challenges has left us with no option but to speak out,” they said.

The appeal, submitted through the Office of the Attorney General, seeks the President’s intervention in reviewing the matter and facilitating a resolution.

“We have formally submitted a detailed appeal through the Office of the Attorney General, and we remain hopeful that His Excellency will find time to review it and offer his support in resolving this matter,” the statement says.

The family alleges interference in the management of the estate by a close relative, claiming this has resulted in distress, financial loss, and prolonged uncertainty.

“Since the death of Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, we have endured years of profound suffering and grave injustice,” the letter states.

They further accuse the relative of using “intimidation, manipulation, and underhand methods” to disinherit rightful beneficiaries through irregular transfer of assets.

A key point of contention is the validity of the will used in the succession process, which the family claims raises serious concerns.

“A central concern is the Will purportedly cited and relied upon… which causes our family to express deep concerns about forgery and a cunning scheme to disinherit the lawful beneficiaries,” they said.

They pointed out that the document bears the inscription “Draft Last Will and Testament,” arguing that it cannot constitute a valid final will.

“A ‘draft’ document cannot by any stretch of reason or law, constitute the final will and testament of the deceased,” the letter states.

The family also questioned the circumstances under which the will was allegedly executed, citing the late politician’s deteriorating health at the time.

“His condition had catastrophically deteriorated to the extent that he was unable to see, let alone write or comprehend any legal document,” the appeal notes.

They are now seeking an independent investigation into the matter, return of allegedly transferred assets, and protection from further interference.

Despite the dispute, the family said it remains open to engagement and is hopeful for a fair resolution.

“As a family, our appeal is justice and fairness. We have endured pain, loss, and prolonged uncertainty. Like any other family, we have reached a point where we must tell our story in our own voice.”