In this article, we explore Rigathi Gachagua biography, revealing his tribe, place of birth, age, political career, family, and controversies. Rigathi Gachagua comes from the Kikuyu tribe. He was born in 1965 at Hiriga village or Nyeri County. He was the eigth-born to his parents Nderi Gachagua Wangombe and Martha Kirigo. According to Citizen Digital, His parents were Mau Mau freedom fighters with his father being well known for building and servicing guns for Kenyan fighters. Since he was born in 1965, Rigathi Gachagua’s age is currently 58 years old. Rigathi Gachagua has been nicknamed Riggy G and has had it trademarked.
Rigathi Gachagua education background
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attended Kabiruini Primary School for his elementary education. He later joined Kianyaga High School for his O-Levels and A-Levels. The DP proceeded to study Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature from the University of Nairobi between 1985 and 1988.
In 1990, Rigathi Gachagua studied Paramilitary Training at the Administration Police Institute in 1990. He did an Advanced Public Administration Course at Kenya School of Government between 1999 and 2000.
Rigathi Gachagua early career and political success
Rigathi Gachagua has been in the public service since his youthful days. From 1990, the DP worked in the Office of the President as DO Cadet. Yes, Rigathi Gachagua worked as a District Officer. In 1991, he rose to the rank of Personal Assistant of the Head of Public Service.
Between 1997 and 1999, Rigathi Gachagua worked as a District Officer in charge of Ng’arua Division, Laikipia District.
He also worked as the Personal Assistant to former president Uhuru Kenyatta when he was the Minister for Local Government between 2002 and 2006. Rigathi Gachagua travelled with President Uhuru Kenyatta throughout the country when he was ta presidential candidate under the KANU ticket in 2002.
When President Uhuru lost his seat to Narc’s Mwai Kibaki, Rigathi Gachagua resigned from the post of personal assistant and worked for the opposition leader until 2006.
According to The Standard, Rigathi helped his brother run Nyeri County Government when he was elected as the first governor in 2013. The governor, Nderitu Gachagua, had some health problems shortly after the elections and Rigathi “oversaw” the county.
In 2017, Mr. Rigathi Gachagua was elected MP for Mathira Constituency. He served till 2022 and decided to run for Deputy President alongside Dr Ruto under the UDA ticket. The duo won the 2022 Presidential election.
Rigathi Gachagua wealth
What is the net worth for Rigathi Gachagua is a constant query amongst Kenyans given that he quickly rose to the post of deputy president, beating many veteran hopefuls like Kithure Kindiki. During the Deputy Presidential debate, Rigathi Gachagua placed his net worth at Kes800 million. Rigathi Gachagua has magnificent house and many businesses and property to his name. The Jubilee government had freezed some of his wealth amounting to Kes 200 million.
Rigathi Gachagua family, wife, and children
Rigathi Gachagua is married to a beautiful wife, Dr Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. He is also a brother to late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. Rigathi Gachagua and his wife are blessed with two sons, Kevin Rigathi the first born and Keith Keino. Rigathi Gachagua’s wife is a retired banker, now working as a pastor in mathira.
Rigathi Gachagua controversies and scandals
Rigathi Gachagua’s massive wealth has been a hot debate in the public domain. It is alleged that he acquired some wealth through fraudulent tenders in Nyeri County. During Uhuru’s Presidency, Rigathi was facing a graft case with EACC with some of his bank accounts being freezed. However, when they took power, all cases against him have been dropped.
Rigathi, just like his boss the President, has been linked to numerous cases of misappropriation of public funds.