Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and fellow executors have publicly released the will of the late Nyeri Governor James Nderitu Gachagua in a bid to clear the air amid ongoing family disputes.
The will was published in local newspapers on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, following complaints from some family members who alleged foul play in the handling of the estate.
The executors — Mwai Mathenge, Njoroge Regeru, and Gachagua — said the publication was necessary to set the record straight after recent media reports raised concerns from five of the 23 beneficiaries listed.
In a statement, the executors said:
“This statement is issued on the instructions of the Executors of the Estate of the late James Nderitu Gachagua in response to recent extensive media coverage of matters pertaining to the estate of the deceased. The statement aims to set the record straight with clarity and finality.”
How the Estate Was Distributed
According to the will, the late governor’s properties were divided as follows:
A house in Lang’ata or Karen was left to his first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family. She has lived there since it was built, and the executors confirmed that transfer documents have already been signed in her favour.
Two houses in Karen and Nyeri were bequeathed to his second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, who was occupying them at the time of his death. The titles have since been transferred to her.ALSO READ: Rigathi Gachagua Gifted KSh 4 Million on TikTok Live, Divides Kenyans
The ancestral home, comprising four acres and a house, was left to the deceased’s two eldest sons, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Kariuki, in equal shares. The pair have been living on the property since 2022.
Shares in Mweiga Homes were allocated to Rigathi Gachagua.
The executors added that all remaining assets were to be sold, with proceeds first used to settle debts and liabilities before any further distribution to beneficiaries.
Family Conflict and Ruto’s Involvement
The publication comes shortly after some family members wrote to President William Ruto seeking his intervention in the estate matter.
They raised allegations of fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference in the management of the late governor’s properties.
President Ruto responded firmly, stating that he would look into the matter seriously. He said:
“You can insult me as much as you want, but I want to tell you that you must return properties belonging to the widows and orphans. You must return the hotel in Nairobi and the house in Kilifi to those who own them.”
Breakdown of the Estate
The executors emphasised that the estate distribution followed the wishes of the late governor. According to their statement:
- 62% of the net estate went to his immediate family
- 22% was allocated to 14 other beneficiaries, including siblings and step-siblings
- 11% covered administrative costs and liabilities
- 5% was assigned to the three executors
They also revealed that several properties were sold above their reserve prices, including Olive Gardens Hotel for KSh 412 million, Queensgate Estate for KSh 590 million, and Vipingo Estate for KSh 250 million—raising a total of KSh 1.25 billion.
Ongoing Dispute
This latest development is expected to bring some clarity to the long-running family dispute surrounding the estate of the late Nyeri governor.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!