Gachagua Breaks Down How Wealth Left By His Brother Was Spent
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a strong public defense on Monday, October 7, addressing allegations that are set to be brought against him in the National Assembly.
Speculation surrounded the day as Gachagua, facing scrutiny, announced an evening press conference about his impeachment, leaving many curious about his response.
During his televised statement, Gachagua passionately denied allegations of fraudulently acquiring Ksh5.2 billion since taking office two years ago.
In his rebuttal, Gachagua targeted Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who brought forward the impeachment motion and addressed accusations of corruption, including details about managing his late brother Nderitu Gachagua’s estate, who passed away in February 2017.
He revealed that as executor of his brother’s estate, Nderitu had left four properties, including a hotel and a high-rise apartment, instructing Rigathi to manage their sale and distribution.
The Deputy President disclosed that the Olive Garden Hotel was sold for Ksh412 million, which was shared among beneficiaries. Similarly, Queens Gate Apartment was sold to a bank for Ksh600 million, primarily used to settle debts from the late Nyeri Governor.
He added that his brother owned Vipingo Beach Hotel, which the family chose to keep for its sentimental value. The Lang’ata Highrise Apartments, he noted, remain within the family.
Gachagua publicly asked for forgiveness from his late brother, saying he regretted having to reveal private details of the will due to political pressure, describing the ordeal as unfair and cruel.
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Regarding land acquisition allegations, the DP clarified that parcels of land mentioned in the impeachment motion were wrongly characterized as proceeds of crime.
He refuted claims that the Ruguru Kiamarega parcels were in Mathira East, instead stating they were in Mathira West. He said he purchased the land for Ksh3.5 million and uses it for livestock farming, which earns him Ksh1.5 million per month.
Concerning 40 acres in Kieni Constituency, Gachagua stated that he bought the parcel from Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina.
He also denied owning 80 acres in Meru, explaining that the property is 29 acres, where he built his home due to loneliness. He bought it with a loan from Solutions Sacco, which he continues to repay.
Gachagua expressed that as Deputy President, loneliness drove him to buy land in Meru to stay close to relatives, as most of his family members are either deceased or married.
He also denied owning land in Nyandarua.
On the topic of cash, Gachagua mentioned that his brother left him 5% of his estate, worth Ksh20 million, which was deposited in his bank account following the sale of some properties.
He added that his account also holds Ksh20 million set aside for their mother, with him as the trustee, and an additional Ksh16 million on behalf of his nephews.
Gachagua also denied allegations that his sons acquired Treetops Hotel, clarifying that the property is leased from the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Gachagua Breaks Down How Wealth Left By His Brother Was Spent