Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended the distribution of his late brother’s estate, insisting the process strictly followed the law and the wishes outlined in the deceased’s will.
Speaking during an interview, Gachagua addressed growing concerns surrounding the estate of his brother, James Nderitu Gachagua, who passed away in 2017. He maintained that the succession process was conducted transparently and in full compliance with legal procedures.
Gachagua stated that matters of inheritance fall squarely under the jurisdiction of the courts, urging anyone dissatisfied with the outcome to seek legal redress rather than escalate the issue publicly.
“The law of succession is handled by courts of law. If anybody is dissatisfied with what is happening in a succession implementation, you go to court,” he said.
Will-Based Distribution
According to Gachagua, the late Nderitu Gachagua left behind a detailed will clearly outlining how his estate was to be managed and distributed. The document identified 21 beneficiaries and specified the percentage share each was to receive.
He explained that the will directed that all properties be sold, outstanding debts settled, and the remaining proceeds distributed among beneficiaries according to predetermined allocations.
“Some were getting 10 per cent, others 5 per cent, others 2 per cent or 3 per cent, all clearly indicated in the will,” he said.
To ensure proper execution, three individuals were appointed as executors, including the deceased’s lawyer, a close associate, and a family member. Their mandate, Gachagua noted, was to implement the will exactly as written.
Court Oversight and Completion
Gachagua further stated that the will was formally presented in court, where it was adopted and approved for execution. He added that all beneficiaries initially confirmed their agreement with its contents.
The entire process, he said, was concluded about eight years ago, with assets liquidated, liabilities cleared, and proceeds transferred directly to beneficiaries’ accounts.
He reiterated that the exercise was lawful and transparent, emphasizing that any disputes should be resolved through established legal channels rather than political or media platforms.
Family Pushback Emerges
Despite his assertions, members of the late politician’s immediate family have now gone public with concerns over the administration of the estate.
In a statement dated March 27, 2026, the family said they had exhausted private avenues in trying to resolve the matter before deciding to speak out.
“After careful and thoughtful consideration, we… have made the very difficult decision to go public on matters concerning our rightful inheritance,” the statement read.
The family has also appealed for State intervention, signalling a possible escalation of the dispute even as Gachagua maintains that the matter was conclusively handled in accordance with the law.
With both sides now taking firm positions, the disagreement over the estate appears far from settled.
Legal experts note that any fresh claims or grievances will ultimately need to be tested in court, where documentation and the validity of the will are likely to come under renewed scrutiny.
