DP Gachagua’s Heartbreak: “I Was Five Minutes Late” — Mourns Beloved Aunt Who Raised Him
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in mourning. He has lost his only surviving maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua. In an emotional and deeply personal statement, he described her as a second mother and a pillar in his life.
A Sudden Midnight Call
The tragedy began with a distressing phone call at 3:00 a.m. Gachagua was told his aunt had fallen critically ill.
“I advised she be taken to Jamii Hospital in Karatina immediately,”
he wrote.
He planned to visit her later in the day, believing she was stable.
“The doctors told me she was okay. I was relieved,”
he added.
Traffic, Time, and Tragedy
With hope in his heart, Gachagua left for Karatina at 2:00 p.m. But then, a traffic jam near Ruiru delayed him for 30 agonizing minutes. By the time he reached the hospital, it was too late.
“She died at 4:05 p.m. I arrived five minutes later,”
Gachagua painfully revealed.“I have no one to turn to in this grief and pain.”
More Than Family — A Mother, Mentor, and Prayer Warrior
Gachagua described his aunt not just as a relative, but as a mother figure since his real mother passed away in 2019.
“She filled that void. She prayed for me, counseled me, cheered me on,”
he shared.
He recalled their joyous childhood moments — waking up to porridge and boiled maize, sitting by her side listening to Mau Mau tales, and picking passion fruits on her farm.
“She was known as Tata wa Matunda — the Fruits’ Aunt,”
he wrote warmly.
A Rooted Legacy
The DCP Party leader praised her for her role in the Mau Mau struggle and for keeping his heritage alive.
“She taught me the Meru language. She reminded me of my Ameru roots,”
he stated.
Her life was a living history — one of resilience, heritage, and love.
A Nation Grieves With Him
Kenyans online joined Gachagua in mourning, flooding his post with condolences. He extended his sympathies to his aunt’s children, grandchildren, and community.
“I will give her a heroic send-off,”
he vowed.“She played a pivotal role in my life and leadership journey.”
ALSO READ: Gachagua Breaks Silence: “I Stayed Away to Respect Gen Zs,” Denies Funding Chaos
DP Gachagua’s Heartbreak: “I Was Five Minutes Late” — Mourns Beloved Aunt Who Raised Him
