Rigathi Gachagua: Age, Net Worth, Education, Biography, Wife & More
A Deep Dive into the Life and Wealth of Kenya’s Former Deputy President
Rigathi Gachagua is a seasoned Kenyan politician and former Deputy President, known for his outspoken nature, grassroots appeal, and firm political alliances. Born in Nyeri County, Gachagua rose from a provincial administrator to one of the most powerful offices in Kenya. His journey has been marked by both influence and controversy — from high-profile corruption allegations to his dramatic impeachment in 2024.
In this article, we explore Gachagua’s age, net worth, education, career history, personal life, and what lies ahead for one of Kenya’s most talked-about leaders.
Quick Facts About Rigathi Gachagua
- Full Name: Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua
- Date of Birth: February 28, 1965
- Place of Birth: Hiriga, Mathira, Nyeri County, Kenya
- Education: University of Nairobi (BA in Political Science and Literature), Kenya School of Government (Advanced Diploma in Public Administration)
- Political Affiliation: United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
- Positions Held:
- Member of Parliament for Mathira (2017–2022)
- Deputy President of Kenya (2022–2024)
- Spouse: Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Gachagua
- Children: 2
- Net Worth: Declared KSh 800 million in 2022; investigations suggest significant increase thereafter
Rigathi Gachagua Age
Rigathi Gachagua was born on February 28, 1965, making him 60 years old.
Rigathi Gachagua Biography
Gachagua was born into a politically active family; his parents, Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigo, were Mau Mau freedom fighters. He is the eighth of nine children and the younger brother of the late Nderitu Gachagua, the first Governor of Nyeri County.
Rigathi Gachagua Education
He began his education at Kabiruini Primary School (1971–1977) and proceeded to Kianyaga High School for his O-levels and A-levels. In 1985, he joined the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Literature. Later, in 1999, he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from the Kenya School of Government.
Career and Political Journey
After university, Gachagua worked briefly at the Ministry of Home Affairs & National Heritage before joining the Administration Police Institute in 1990. He served as a District Officer in various districts and later became a Personal Assistant to then Minister for Local Government, Uhuru Kenyatta, from 2001 to 2006.
In 2017, Gachagua entered elective politics, winning the Mathira parliamentary seat. Known for his assertive political style, he was a vocal advocate for his constituents. In the 2022 general elections, he was selected as the running mate to William Ruto under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and was sworn in as Deputy President after their victory.
Impeachment and Legal Challenges
Gachagua's tenure as Deputy President was marred by controversies. In October 2024, he faced impeachment proceedings initiated by the National Assembly on 11 charges, including corruption, ethnic discrimination, and insubordination. The Senate upheld five of these charges, leading to his removal from office.
Notably, he was accused of amassing properties worth over $40 million during his two-year tenure, a significant increase from his previously declared net worth of approximately $6 million. Gachagua denied all allegations, attributing the impeachment to political betrayal.
Rigathi Gachagua New Political Party
Rigathi Gachagua is currently affiliated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), a political outfit he officially launched on May 15, 2025. Prior to this, he was a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), under which he served as Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024. He resigned from UDA three days before unveiling DCP.
The DCP positions itself as a grassroots-driven party with the slogan “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans), emphasizing inclusivity and citizen engagement.
Gachagua's shift to DCP marks a significant realignment in Kenyan politics, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where his new party is expected to challenge the dominance of UDA.
Rigathi Gachagua Wife
Rigathi Gachagua is married to Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Gachagua. The couple met in 1987 during their university years and got married in 1989. They have two sons, Kevin and Keith. Pastor Dorcas is known for her philanthropic work, particularly focusing on empowering the boy child and supporting vulnerable groups in society.
Rigathi Gachagua Net Worth
In 2022, Gachagua declared his net worth to be around KSh 800 million (approximately $7 million). However, investigations during his impeachment revealed a substantial increase in his wealth, raising questions about the sources of his income.
Social Media
- X (Twitter): @rigathi – Active with over 1 million followers. Shares political updates and personal insights.
- Facebook: H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH – Over 543k likes. Posts about political events and public engagements.
- Instagram: @r.i.g.a.t.h.i_g.a.c.h.a.g.u.a_ – Smaller following, occasional updates.
- DCP Party: Official accounts launched for his new party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), on X and Facebook.
Conclusion
Rigathi Gachagua’s journey from a provincial administrator to Kenya’s Deputy President—and now the founder of his own political party—paints the picture of a man deeply embedded in the country’s political fabric.
His career has been marked by loyalty, controversy, and reinvention, making him one of the most watched figures in Kenyan politics. Whether you view him as a grassroots leader or a political firebrand, Gachagua’s story is far from over. As he charts a new course with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), all eyes remain on what his next chapter will bring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Rigathi Gachagua?
Rigathi Gachagua is a Kenyan politician and businessman who served as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024. He is the founder and leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
What is Rigathi Gachagua’s net worth?
Rigathi Gachagua’s net worth is estimated at around Ksh 800 million. He has denied claims of having a net worth exceeding Ksh 5 billion, calling such reports politically motivated.
Where did Rigathi Gachagua go to school?
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature from the University of Nairobi and holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from the Kenya School of Government.
Who is Rigathi Gachagua’s wife?
He is married to Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi. They have been married since 1989 and have two children. Pastor Dorcas is a trained teacher and church leader.
What political party does Rigathi Gachagua belong to?
He is the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), launched in May 2025. Before that, he was a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
What happened to Rigathi Gachagua’s deputy presidency?
Rigathi Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 on charges including corruption and promoting ethnic division. The Senate upheld his impeachment, resulting in his removal from office.
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nice article