Rigathi Gachagua is a prominent Kenyan politician currently serving as the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. Born on February 28, 1965, in Ruguru village, Mathira, Nyeri County, Gachagua is the eighth child in a family deeply rooted in Kenya’s fight for independence. His parents, Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigo, were Mau Mau fighters who played an essential role in the liberation struggle.
Early Life and Education
Gachagua started his education at Kabiruini Primary School before proceeding to Kianyaga High School for his O-levels and A-levels. He later attended the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Literature. His education continued at the Administration Police Institute, where he completed paramilitary training in 1990, and later, he earned a diploma in Advanced Public Administration from the Kenya School of Government.
Early Career
After university, Gachagua entered public service, starting as an assistant secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs. He later served as a District Officer in various regions, including Kakamega, Laikipia, and Kirinyaga districts. In 2001, he became the personal assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta, then the Minister for Local Government and later leader of the official opposition. Gachagua worked closely with Kenyatta during his unsuccessful presidential bid in 2002 under the KANU party.
Rigathi Gachagua Political Career
Gachagua’s official entry into politics came in 2017 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mathira Constituency. Known for his firm stances, he quickly gained a reputation as a vocal critic of certain government policies, including his opposition to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). He aligned himself with William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and in 2022, he was selected as Ruto’s running mate under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Their campaign focused on economic transformation, particularly for marginalized communities, leading to their victory in the 2022 presidential election.
Deputy Presidency
As Deputy President, Gachagua has remained a key figure in Kenya’s political landscape. However, his career has not been without controversy. He has faced allegations of corruption, with accusations of misappropriating government funds during his time in business and as a government official. Some of these cases have been contested in court, with significant media coverage highlighting the legal challenges he has encountered.
Also read:Raila Odinga Biography
Personal Life
Gachagua is married to Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi, a retired banker turned pastor. The couple has two sons, Kevin and Keith. Despite the political and legal hurdles, Gachagua continues to maintain a significant presence in Kenyan politics.
His role as Deputy President, alongside President William Ruto, positions him as a key player in the nation’s governance. While his leadership has been clouded by controversy, his story reflects both the opportunities and complexities of Kenyan politics. His resilience and political maneuvering continue to shape his trajectory in the country’s leadership