Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sparked laughter at a church service in the United States after joking that he would be “finished” if his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, ever left him.
Gachagua made the remarks during a church service at PCEA Tumaini Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he spoke about family, parenting and the importance of preparing children to take over from their parents.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said his decision to serve Kenyans after being elected Deputy President meant stepping away from the day-to-day running of his businesses and handing the responsibility to his children.
“When I was elected Deputy President, I decided to serve the people of Kenya and handed over running of all my businesses to my children,” Gachagua said.
“I was only left with their mother. If their mother decides to leave me, I will be finished.”
The remark drew laughter from the congregation as Gachagua continued to explain how he has sought to mentor his children by giving them responsibility and allowing them to learn through experience.
He said his children were doing well despite encountering challenges, adding that they occasionally seek his advice when faced with difficult decisions.
“And the boys are doing well. They encounter a few challenges here and there, they come for advice and I give them,” he said.
Gachagua also cited Nyandarua Senator John Methu as an example of a younger politician he had encouraged to take responsibility instead of relying on him to do the work.
He recalled assigning Methu responsibility for coordinating the DCP campaign for the party’s candidate in Ol Kalou Constituency.
“You saw what I did with that young man called John Methu, the Nyandarua Senator. I took him to Ol Kalou constituency and asked him to be in charge of DCP campaign for our candidate,” he said.
According to Gachagua, Methu initially asked him to assist, telling him the assignment was too big.
“He said, ‘Boss, this is too big, come and help me,’ but I declined and told him he was of age, proceed,” Gachagua said.
He said Methu subsequently handled the responsibility well, adding: “He is now doing very well.”
The former Deputy President used the experience to urge parents to deliberately involve their children in family decisions, investments and development projects.
“I want you to mentor your children, allow them to be part and parcel of your development, investment,” he told the congregation.
Gachagua encouraged parents to introduce their children to financial and investment decisions from an early age, saying this would help them understand the value of assets and responsibility.
“Keep them informed. If you want to buy a farm, even if they are young, just pretend to consult them so that they feel good and start appreciating what a farm is all about,” he said.
