Family of late Gachagua seeks State intervention in estate row

The family of the late James Nderitu Gachagua has appealed to President William Ruto to intervene in a long-running dispute over the administration of his estate, citing what they describe as prolonged suffering, uncertainty and alleged irregularities.

In a media statement dated Friday, March 27, 2026, the immediate family said they had been forced to go public after efforts to resolve the matter quietly failed.

“After careful and thoughtful consideration, we, the family of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, have made the very difficult decision to go public on matters concerning our rightful inheritance,” the statement reads.

The family said it had initially chosen silence “out of respect, patience, and hope that the issues surrounding our late father’s estate would be resolved quietly and justly.” However, they added that the situation had persisted for too long.

“However, the prolonged nature of these challenges has left us with no option but to speak out,” they said.

The appeal to the President has been formally submitted through the Office of the Attorney General. The family expressed hope that the Head of State would review their case and support a resolution.

“We have formally submitted a detailed appeal through the Office of the Attorney General, and we remain hopeful that His Excellency will find time to review it and offer his support in resolving this matter,” the statement says.

The family also acknowledged the President for previously drawing public attention to matters concerning their late father but noted difficulties in accessing him directly.

“We wish to acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency the President for bringing public attention to matters concerning our late father. However, despite our efforts to contact him, we have encountered significant barriers in accessing him directly,” they said.

“It is for this reason that we have now turned to the media, as a means of ensuring that the full scope of our concerns reaches him and the relevant authorities.”

Details contained in their appeal outline claims of alleged interference in the administration of the estate by a close relative. The family alleges that this has led to distress and material loss.

“Since the death of Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, we have endured years of profound suffering and grave injustice,” the letter states.

The family claims that the relative has used “intimidation, manipulation, and underhand methods” in dealing with the estate. They further allege that there have been irregular transfers of assets and attempts to disinherit the immediate family.

“Through intimidation, manipulation, and underhand methods, the said relative has relentlessly sought to disinherit the immediate family… by procuring irregular transfers of assets, using proxies to defraud the estate, and forcefully acquiring property that rightfully belongs to our family,” the letter reads.

A key issue raised in the appeal concerns a will that has been cited in the succession process. The family has questioned its validity.

“A central concern is the Will purportedly cited and relied upon… which causes our family to express deep concerns about forgery and a cunning scheme to disinherit the lawful beneficiaries,” they said.

They point to the wording on the document, saying it bears the inscription “Draft Last Will and Testament,” which they argue raises questions about its authenticity.

“A ‘draft’ document cannot by any stretch of reason or law, constitute the final will and testament of the deceased,” the letter states.

The family also links the timing of the alleged will to the late politician’s medical condition at the time. According to the appeal, he was seriously ill and unable to engage in such processes.

The letter states that during his final days in hospital, his condition had deteriorated significantly.

“His condition had catastrophically deteriorated to the extent that he was unable to see, let alone write or comprehend any legal document,” the appeal notes.

The family argues that this raises “serious and urgent concerns regarding forgery and fraudulent manipulation” of the succession process.

They further claim that unresolved issues around the estate have left them in financial distress and uncertainty.

“As a result of this interference, numerous critical matters relating to the estate… remain unresolved, leaving our family in prolonged agony, uncertainty and financial distress,” the letter states.

In their appeal, the family is seeking several interventions, including an independent investigation into the handling of the estate.

They are also asking for the return of assets they describe as having been irregularly transferred, and protection from further interference.

“Your Excellency, with humility, our family specifically prays for: institution of an independent and impartial investigation… return of all irregularly transferred assets… and protection of the family from further intimidation,” the letter reads.

Despite the dispute, the family says its intention is not to litigate the matter in the public domain but to seek attention from relevant authorities.

“We have taken a deliberate decision to share a redacted version of the letter… because our intention is not to litigate this matter in the court of public opinion, but rather to ensure that the appropriate authorities are seized of the facts,” the statement says.

They maintain that their appeal is guided by a desire for justice and fairness.

“As a family, our appeal is justice and fairness. We have endured pain, loss, and prolonged uncertainty. Like any other family, we have reached a point where we must tell our story in our own voice.”

The family says it remains open to engagement and hopeful for a resolution.

“We remain open, respectful, and hopeful for a just resolution.”