Rigathi Gachagua Biography
Rigathi Gachagua is a renowned Kenyan politician who has been serving as Deputy President of Kenya since 2022. He formerly served as the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency between 2017 and 2022 as a member of the Jubilee Party. William Ruto appointed Gachagua as his running mate, and the two were elected with narrowly over 50% of the vote.
He previously served in different junior roles in government, including assistant secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs & National Heritage, personal assistant to the Head of the Public Service, personal assistant to Minister for Local Government Uhuru Kenyatta, and a district officer.
He is a former Kiambaa District Officer. He was then elected as the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County from 2017 to 2022 under the Jubilee Party. Gachagua vied for the Deputy President in the 2022 Kenyan General Election on a joint ticket with William Ruto’s running mate under the United Democratic Alliance party, winning with slightly over 50% of the votes.
10 Quick Facts About Rigathi Gachagua
- Name: Rigathi Gachagua
- Age: 59 Years Old
- Birthday: 28 February
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Occupation: Deputy President of Kenya, Politician
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Ksh 1,367,438
- Net worth: Ksh 800 million
Rigathi Gachagua Age
Rigathi is 59 years old. He was born on February 28, 1965, in Ruguru village in Mathira, Nyeri County, Kenya. He celebrates his birthday on 28 February every year, and his birth sign is Pisces.
Rigathi Gachagua Height
Gachagua stands at a height of around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall. He appears to be quite tall in stature if his photos, relative to his surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Rigathi Gachagua Weight
Gachagua revealed that he presently weighs 94 kg (207 lbs) and he intends to lose 10 kilograms in the forthcoming months.
Early Life and Education
Gachagua was born February 28, 1965, in Hiriga village of Nyeri County, the eighth-born child of Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigo. His parents were Mau Mau freedom fighters in Mt.Kenya forest where his father serviced guns for the Mau Mau while his mother was a food and ammunition courier for the fighters. He is the younger brother to the late Nderitu Gachagua, the first governor of Nyeri County.
He enrolled at Kabiruini Primary School from 1971 to 1977 before proceeding to Kianyaga High School for his O-levels and A-levels. In 1985, he entered the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Literature in 1988. Gachagua was the Nyeri District University Students Association (NDUSA) leader as well as the chairman of the Association of Literature Students.
Rise to Fame
Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua is currently widely known as the Deputy President of Kenya since 2022. He previously served as the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency between 2017 and 2022 as a member of the Jubilee Party.
Rigathi Gachagua Family
Gachagua was born in Hiriga village of Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, as the eighth-born child of Nahashon Gachagua Reriani (father) and Martha Kirigo (mother). He is the younger brother to the belated H. E Nderitu Gachagua, who was the first Governor of Nyeri County. His parents were Mau Mau freedom warriors in Mt. Kenya Forest where Nahashon was constructing and servicing guns for the freedom fighters.
Rigathi Gachagua Siblings
Rigathi lost his elder brother Nderitu Gachagua on February 24, 2017, who was the first Governor of Nyeri County, and he then lost James Reriani his elder brother who passed on May 8, 2022.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated in a message on Sunday that his brother’s death has left him shattered. “The news of your passing hit me hard. I now remain alone among the sons of Kirigo,”
Rigathi Gachagua Wife
Rigathi is married to Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi, a former banker who is nowadays a pastor in Mathira. The two met at a joint university occasion that was graced by President Moi at the University of Nairobi in 1985. They got wedded in 1989, and together they have two sons, Kevin and Keith.
Rigathi Gachagua Children
Gachagua together with his wife Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi are blessed with two sons namely Kevin and Keith. Rigathi’s firstborn son Kevin is a software engineer, while Keith is a medical doctor. Keith is an Alliance High School alumnus.
Keith, Gachagua’s second-born son, did his KCSE in 2010 ranking number 17 country-wide. Keith holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree and graduated from the University of Nairobi (UoN) in 2019.
Rigathi Gachagua Salary
Gachagua receives a gross salary of Ksh 1,367,438, with salary market adjustments of Ksh190,875. He also receives a house allowance of Ksh300,000 and an official vehicle with an engine capacity not surpassing 3000cc. The DP-elect will earn an annual medical cover alongside his spouse and kids.
This includes an inpatient cover worth Ksh10 million, outpatient worth Ksh300,000, maternity worth Ksh150,000, Ksh75,000 dental cover, and optical worth Ksh75,000. Additionally, Gachagua earns a monthly pension equal to 80 percent of his monthly salary; according to the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015. The figure summarizes an annual pension of Ksh11.8 million.
Rigathi Gachagua Net Worth
Rigathi has an estimated net worth of Ksh. 800 million. This includes his assets, money, and income. Her primary source of income is his career as a Deputy President of Kenya and Politician. Through his various sources of income, Gachagua has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Rigathi Gachagua Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Rigathi Gachagua.
Rigathi Gachagua Wiki
- Full Names: Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua
- Popular As: Deputy President of Kenya
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Deputy President of Kenya, Politician
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Race / Ethnicity: Kikuyu
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Rigathi Gachagua Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 59 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Date of Birth: 28 February 1965
- Place of Birth: Hiriga village of Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, Kenya
- Birthday: 28 February
Rigathi Gachagua Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)
- Weight: 94 kg (207 lbs)
Rigathi Gachagua Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Nashashon Gachagua Reriani
- Mother: Martha Kirigo
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Seven
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Kevin, Keith) Daughter(s) (Not known)
Rigathi Gachagua Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: Ksh. 800 million
- Salary: Ksh 1,367,438
- Source of Income: Deputy President of Kenya, Politician
Career
Rigathi Gachagua’s career journey is marked by diverse experiences in both public service and business ventures. Beginning with his employment at Kenya’s Ministry of Home Affairs & National Heritage, he later joined the Administration Police Institute before serving in various capacities as a District Officer. Gachagua furthered his education at the Kenya School of Government, attaining an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration.
His term as Personal Assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta preceded a period of focusing on his entrepreneurial endeavors until he was elected a member of parliament for the Mathira constituency in 2017. Known for his assertive and sometimes confrontational approach to politics, Gachagua garnered attention for advocating Mount Kenya residents’ interests vigorously. This advocacy, coupled with his perceived intensity for the people’s concerns, led to his selection as William Ruto’s running mate.
Gachagua’s assignment as a legislator was not without controversy, with clashes with Cabinet Secretaries over policy matters and his outspoken stance against perceived injustices. His involvement in court cases related to the alleged misappropriation of government funds adds a layer of complexity to his political profile. Despite facing legal challenges, Gachagua’s political career continues to evolve, culminating in his nomination as Ruto’s running mate under the Kenya Kwanza political coalition.
Rigathi Gachagua Wealth
Gachagua stated that he is worth Sh800 million. Communicating, he demanded that he is not a billionaire, as is publicly declared. “I’m worth Sh800 million minus the Sh200 million they are holding,” Gachagua said. He added that the money he has is well documented because he is a businessman and he made it during the term of late President Mwai Kibaki when the Kenyan economy was thriving.
Gachagua is an executive and shareholder of several companies, which he has used to secure tenders from state agencies, parastatals, and county governments, ARA states it wants to confirm whether he used them to launder money.
Rigathi Gachagua and Moi
Gachagua was posted at the Office of President Daniel Arap Moi as a District Officer Cadet between 1991 and 1992 after graduating from the Administration Police Institute.
Rigathi Gachagua Deputy President
Gachagua was selected as the running mate to the UDA presidential candidate Hon Ruto under the Kenya Kwanza political coalition on the 15th of May 2022. Others who were aspiring for the same position included Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure A. Kindiki, Kandara MP Alice Muthoni Wahome, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
Gachagua has a chequered past with pending tribunal cases over apparent lawsuits of misappropriation of government funds. On 28 July 2022, a Kenyan court requested Rigathi Gachagua to return KSh. 202 million (US$1.7 million), finding that the money emanated from corruption. In November 2022, Rigathi Gachagua faced corruption charges in a $60 million case. These charges were eventually dropped.
Rigathi Gachagua Nyeri County Affairs
During Nderitu Gachagua’s long absence owing to ill health, Rigathi Gachagua appeared to call the shots in Nyeri County. Although the Constitution stipulates that Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai should act as governor in the absence of his boss, Rigathi was often accused of meddling in the affairs of the county and acting as the de facto deputy when his brother was away.
Roles of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
As the deputy to William Ruto, Gachagua will undertake the following roles:
- Deputize the President in the execution of the President’s functions;
- Chair Cabinet Committees;
- Oversee Implementation of Cabinet decisions across all Ministries and State Departments;
- Coordinate Inter-Governmental relations between the National Government and County Governments including Chairing the Inter-Governmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC);
- Liaison with Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices in matters that require intervention by the National Government including budgets, policy formulation and implementation of their recommendations;
- Coordinate the planning and supervise the implementation of development partners funded programs and projects;
- Oversee Public Sector Reforms; and any other function as may be assigned by the President.
Final Thoughts
Rigathi Gachagua’s career exemplifies resilience and advocacy, inspiring others to fearlessly pursue their goals. His outspokenness and commitment to public service serve as a motivation to speak up for justice. Despite challenges, he stands as a role model, showcasing the power of determination and integrity in leadership.
Rigathi Gachagua Contacts
Related Biographies
You may also like to read the Bio, Career, Family, Relationship, Body measurements, Net worth, Achievements, and more about:
Overview of a Members of Parliament in Kenya
Kenya has a total of 349 Members of Parliament; 290 were elected from the constituencies, 47 women were elected from the counties, and 12 members were nominated by parliamentary political parties to represent the special interests of youth, persons with disabilities, and workers. The speaker serves as an ex-official member.
Responsibilities of Member Parliament
- Representation: Acts on your behalf on issues of concern to you & the nation.
- Oversight: Controls budget, oversees the presidency, ministries and parastatals plus appointments.
- Legislation: Develops or contributes to lawmaking.
- CDF: Runs the Constituency Development Fund.
Qualifications for Election as an MP
A person is eligible for election as a member of Parliament if the person
- is registered as a voter;
- satisfies any educational, moral and ethical requirements prescribed by this Constitution or by an Act of Parliament
- is nominated by a political party, or is an independent candidate who is supported by at least one thousand registered voters in the constituency
Disqualifications for election as an MP
A person is disqualified from being elected a member of Parliament if the person
- is a State officer or other public officer, other than a member of Parliament;
- has, at any time within the five years immediately preceding the date of election, held office as a member of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission;
- has not been a citizen of Kenya for at least the ten years immediately preceding the date of the election;
- is a member of a county assembly;
- is of unsound mind;
- is an undischarged bankrupt;
- is subject to a sentence of imprisonment of at least six months, as at the date of registration as a candidate, or at the date of the election; (A person is not disqualified unless all possibility of appeal or review of the relevant sentence or decision has been exhausted)
- is found, per any law, to have misused or abused a State office or public office or in any way to have contravened Chapter Six.pf the Kenyan constitution
More about Kenya
Kenya is a land of contrast – highlands and plains; wet and dry; rural and urban and people of all races. This offers many opportunities to citizens, foreigners, and visitors alike.
Here is more information about Kenya …
- About Kenya
- Tourism in Kenya
- Nairobi Kenya
- Towns in Kenya
- Health in Kenya
- Hotels in Kenya
- Kenya Safari Guide
- Farming in Kenya
- Government of Kenya
- Counties in Kenya
- Constituencies in Kenya
- Secondary Schools in Kenya
- Colleges in Kenya
- Universities in Kenya
- Kenya Business Directory
Welcome to Kenya. Welcome to Opportunity.
About InformationCradle Editorial Staff
This Article is produced by InformationCradle Editorial Staff which is a team of expert writers and editors led by Josphat Gachie and trusted by millions of readers worldwide.
We endeavor to keep our content True, Accurate, Correct, Original and Up to Date. For complain, correction or an update, please send us an email to informationcradle@gmail.com. We promise to take corrective measures to the best of our abilities.