One-term MP, Deputy President, then Civilian: The Rise, Rise, and Fall of Rigathi Gachagua.

Rigathi Gachagua has now been officially impeached by the Senate, making him one of Kenya’s shortest-serving deputy presidents. His political ascent, which once seemed meteoric, has come to a dramatic halt as he navigates the aftermath of his fall from power.

The 59-year-old politician enjoyed a near fairytale political run, clinching both the position of Member of Parliament and Deputy President on his first attempt. When he took the oath of office two years ago before a packed stadium in Kasarani, Gachagua exuded eagerness and impatience to ascend to the second-highest office in the land.

However, this meteoric rise was preceded by significant challenges. Just a year before taking office, Gachagua faced a different side of the government he would soon be part of. In 2021, the then-Mathira MP was arrested following a raid by DCI officers investigating graft and money laundering charges against him. He attributed his legal woes to then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a once-close confidant turned political foe. Gachagua had served as Uhuru’s personal assistant and custodian of his diary for five years, from 2000 when Uhuru was Minister for Local Government until 2006 when he became Leader of the Opposition.

His rise to public prominence was largely driven by his fervent opposition to his former boss’s choice of preferred successor. While Uhuru actively supported Raila Odinga as the country’s next president, Gachagua cast his lot with William Ruto, signaling a clear political split.

Since entering elective politics in 2017, Gachagua has branded himself as “the truthful man,” winning the Mathira Parliamentary seat in his first attempt. However, before that victory, he was relatively unknown; it was his now-deceased brother, the former Governor of Nyeri, who was the more recognized member of the Gachagua family. Rigathi stepped in to steer the political ship as his brother became ill and required hospitalization abroad.

Born in 1965 as the fifth child in a family of former Mau Mau freedom fighters, Gachagua proudly references his heritage as ‘Mtoto ya Mau Mau.’ His educational journey began at Kabiruini Primary School and Kianyaga High School for his O and A levels, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Literature at the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he received paramilitary training and completed an advanced administration course at the Kenya School of Government.

Gachagua started his career in public service in 1990 as a District Officer cadet. In a recent interview, he remarked, “Mimi ni mtu nimefanya paramilitary training, kukitokea vita nachukua bunduki.” His brief biography on the presidency’s website notes his promotion to District Officer III in Kirinyaga District, and in 1991, he moved to the Office of the President, where he served in various capacities, including personal assistant to the permanent secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Head of Public Service.

From 1993 to 1997, he was promoted to District Officer I, serving in Kakamega and Laikipia districts. After a brief hiatus from public service in 1999, Gachagua ventured into private business before returning in 2001 as personal assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta, who was then Minister for Local Government and later the Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament. He held this position until 2006.

As Deputy President, Gachagua has dedicated considerable effort to position himself as the Mt. Kenya kingpin. His advocacy for the interests of what he calls the Mt. Kenya community and his “shareholder” narrative have been pivotal in his political strategy. However, these same factors have also contributed to his current predicament, leading to his impeachment and casting a shadow over his once-promising career.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.