Rudi nyumbani: Gachagua promises to take care of late brother's widow, children

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Rigathi Gachagua has made an emotional appeal to his late brother Nderitu’s widow and children amid a growing dispute over the family’s inheritance

- Gachagua urged his sister-in-law and niece to return home, saying they had been manipulated against him despite his commitment to protect them

- The former deputy president maintained that Nderitu’s estate was distributed according to the late governor’s will

A family inheritance dispute took a softer turn as former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua reached out to his late brother’s family.

Gachagua made the appeal while hosting residents of his Mathira constituency at his Wamunyoro home, where he urged his late brother Nderitu Gachagua’s widow and children to return home and remain united with the family.

Addressing his sister-in-law and his niece Susan, Gachagua warned them against associating with President William Ruto, whom he accused of manipulating them and turning them against the family.

“My sister-in-law, keep off that man. My niece Susan, keep off that man. His behaviour is not good. He will con you, just as he has conned many others. Come back home and let us stay together as a family, the way Gachagua left us,” he said.

What did Gachagua say about his late brother's wife

Gachagua said he remained committed to protecting his late brother’s family despite the recent accusations and political disagreements surrounding the estate.

“Nderitu’s children, his wives, they are my family, and I will take care of them. Even when they were used to tarnish my name, the people from my home knew me. You stood by me and said, ‘That is not the Rigathi we know,’” he said.

“I forgive you because I know you were victims of manipulation. I cannot hold it against you because I know him. I still love you and cherish you. My late brother told me to look after you, and I will continue to do so because that is my responsibility as the head of the family,” he added.

Did Gachagua's brother serve as Nyeri governor?

The remarks come amid a bitter dispute over the estate of Nderitu, who served as Nyeri governor before his death in 2017.

Nderitu was survived by his two wives, Margaret Nyokabi and Margaret Karungaru, as well as his children and other beneficiaries, including Susan Kirigo, Mercy Wanjira, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Kariuki. His will also mentioned beneficiaries linked to Susan Wanjiru and Eve Mukami.

The estate dispute escalated in March 2026 after members of Nderitu’s immediate family, including his widow Margaret Nyokabi and children Susan Kirigo, Mercy Wanjira, Jason Kariuki and Ken Gachagua, petitioned President William Ruto for intervention.

What did Ruto say aboutr Nderitu Gachagua's will?

The family alleged that they had been disinherited from property left to them and raised concerns over the authenticity and implementation of the will. They sought investigations into alleged forgery, fraud and unlawful interference with the estate.

Ruto subsequently criticised Gachagua over the matter, promising to protect widows and children from losing property allegedly taken from them.

Gachagua has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, maintaining that Nderitu’s estate was distributed according to his written will. He has said the document identified the beneficiaries and their respective shares, with the courts approving its implementation.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.