Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has published the will of his brother, the late James Nderitu Gachagua, following claims that he disinherited the family.
According to a statement published on Wenesday April 8, he noted that his brother had appointed three executors to oversee the administration and ensure that the deceased’s instructions are followed. They included Mwai Mathenge, Rigathi Gachagua, and Njoroge Rageru.
“This statement is issued on the instructions of the Executors of the Estate of the late James Nderftu Gachagua “Dec response to recent extensive merlia coverage of matters pertaining to the estate of the Descessed the Estate”],” read part of the statement.
Rigathi Gachagua stated that the will outlined how the estate would be shared among 23 beneficiaries and appointed administrators to oversee the process.
It identified key properties, financial assets, and other movable assets to ensure sufficient provision for dependents and family members.
Gachagua Explains Property Distribution
He noted that all distributions and management of the estate were conducted in compliance with the Will and approved by the High Court of Kenya.
According to the will, major properties in the estate, including Olive Gardens, Queensgate, and Vipingo Beach Resort, were sold through private treaty after consulting with the beneficiaries.
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Sale proceeds were therefore used to settle the estate’s debts of approximately KSh 1.07 billion owed to banks and other creditors.
After settling liabilities, the net surplus was distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.
The executors noted that the first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, received KSh 72 million, while adult children received between KSh 120 million and KSh 150 million each.
Beneficiaries also received movable assets, household items, safes, and motor vehicles valued at approximately KShs 5 million.
Estate Management of the Property of Rigathi Gachagua’s Late Brother
The Executors noted that an examination of estate management from April 2017 to March 2021 revealed that all actions were conducted with diligence.
They added that during Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024, his brother’s properties were referenced at the National Assembly, but after review, the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated.
Meanwhile, the Executors noted that the estate’s final accounts remain pending due to a few outstanding issues, including:
- An appeal in the Court of Appeal over a claim by an estate company against a public entity for completed construction work.
- A pending refund of KShs 47.5 million from SBM Bank Limited related to the defunct Chase Bank.
- An unsettled payment claim of KShs 58 million for government construction work.
They added that once these matters are resolved, they will submit the final estate accounts, keeping beneficiaries fully informed throughout the process.
The Executors reiterated their commitment to their legal duties, maintaining transparency and fairness in the administration of the estate.
“In the meantime, Beneficiaries will continue to be apprised of progress in respect of administration of the Estate. The Executors remain alive to their responsibilities under the law and will be steadfast in their adherence to the same,” read part of the statement.
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Family of Nderitu Gachagua Seeks Ruto’s Intervention Over Alleged Forged Will
This comes days after the family of the late Nderitu wrote to President William Ruto seeking his intervention in the inheritance of property and return of irregularly transferred assets.
The family accused Rigathi Gachagua of using the Will, along with alleged political connections and influence, to defraud, disinherit them, and misappropriate funds meant for the family.
In their appeal, they stated that his daughter, Suzan Nderitu Gachagua, was at her father’s bedside before his death, and the condition did not allow him to write or sign the will.
The family also argued that Gachagua relied on the will to disinherit them through intimidation, manipulation, and underhanded methods, including the irregular transfer of assets to defraud the estate.
Following their letter, the head of state promised to look into the matter with all the seriousness it needed, pledging that justice would be achieved.
“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,” Ruto stated
