Gachagua Publishes Brother’s Will After Family Sought Ruto’s Intervention
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and co-executors of the estate of the late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua have publicly released the deceased’s will, detailing how his multi-million-shilling estate was distributed among beneficiaries following rising disputes within the family.
The will, published in local dailies on Wednesday, April 8, outlines the allocation of assets and financial proceeds, in what the executors described as a move to address allegations of irregularities and provide clarity to the public.
In a joint statement, executors Mwai Mathenge, Njoroge Regeru, and Rigathi Gachagua stated that the publication was necessary after concerns were raised by a section of beneficiaries.
“This statement is issued on the instructions of the Executors of the Estate of the late James Nderitu Gachagua in response to recent extensive media coverage… The statement aims to set the record straight with clarity and finality,” the statement read in part.
According to the document, the estate lists 23 beneficiaries, including immediate family members such as the deceased’s mother, two wives, and children, alongside extended family members. The will provides detailed instructions on how specific properties were to be distributed and how the remainder of the estate would be handled.
Among the key allocations, a residential property located in Nairobi’s Lang’ata/Karen area was bequeathed to the first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family. The executors confirmed that all transfer documents had been signed in her favour in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.
Two additional properties, situated in Karen and Nyeri, were allocated to the second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, who had been residing in them prior to the governor’s death. The titles to these properties have since been transferred to her.
In addition, shares in Mweiga Homes were allocated to Rigathi Gachagua, as stipulated in the will.
“All other assets of the deceased were to be sold and proceeds used to settle liabilities before any distribution to beneficiaries,” the executors clarified.
The disclosure comes days after some members of the Gachagua family formally appealed to President William Ruto, seeking intervention over what they alleged were cases of fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference in the management of the estate.
Responding to the concerns earlier, President Ruto assured the family that the matter would be handled with urgency.
“You can insult me as much as you want, but you must return properties belonging to widows and orphans,” Ruto stated, adding that justice would prevail in the dispute.
Further details in the will reveal a structured formula for distribution of the estate’s net value. Approximately 62 per cent was allocated to the immediate family, while 22 per cent was shared among 14 other beneficiaries, including siblings and step-siblings. An additional 11 per cent was set aside for administrative costs and liabilities, with the remaining 5 per cent allocated collectively to the executors.
The estate also included several high-value property sales. Olive Gardens Hotel was sold for Ksh 412 million, above its reserve price of Ksh 325 million. Queensgate Estate fetched Ksh 590 million against a reserve of Ksh 470 million, while Vipingo Estate was sold for Ksh 250 million, exceeding its reserve price of Ksh 170 million. Combined, the transactions generated approximately Ksh 1.25 billion.
The executors maintained that all sales were conducted transparently and at competitive market rates.
As the dispute continues to unfold, the publication of the will is expected to shape ongoing legal and public discourse surrounding the estate, with stakeholders now closely examining whether the documented allocations will resolve the simmering family tensions.
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Gachagua Publishes Brother’s Will After Family Sought Ruto’s Intervention
