OVERVIEW
Rigathi Gachagua, was chosen on August 9, 2022 as the deputy president, and on September 13, 2022, he took office. Under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, the United Democratic Party (UDA), a political party, fielded the deputy president and H.E. president William Ruto. From 2017 to 2022, Mr. Gachagua represented Nyeri County’s Mathira Constituency as a member of parliament.
CHILDHOOD LIFE AND EDUCATION
On February 28, 1965, Mr. Gachagua was born in Ruguru village, Mathira, Nyeri County. After attending Kabiru-in Primary School, he continued his secondary school at Kianyaga High in Kirinyaga County, where he successfully completed his Secondary Education.
In 1988 he enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He is married to Dorcas Rigathi, and they are fortunate to have two kids.
POLITICAL HISTORY AND WORK
Most of the Deputy President’s professional career has been spent in government service; he began as an administrative officer soon after graduating from the University of Nairobi. Subsequently, he was elevated to District Officer III within the Kirinyaga District.
Mr. Gachagua was transferred to the Office of the President in 1991, where he held positions as Head of Public Service, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Personal Assistant to the Permanent Secretary.
He was assigned to the then-Kakamega and Laikipia districts after being promoted to District Officer 1 from 1993 to 1997.
Mr. Gachagua left the Public Service in 1999 and entered the private sector. As a businessman, he inspired young people and marginalized groups to pursue entrepreneurship to gain self-empowerment and generate income and employment.
He rejoined the public service in 2001 and worked as Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta’s assistant. Mr. Kenyatta was the Minister of Local Government and later the Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament. Mr. Gachagua held that role until 2006.
Mr. Gachagua was chosen to serve as the Mathira Constituency’s member of parliament in 2017. This was his role before becoming Deputy President.
During their campaigns, Dr. Ruto and Mr. Gachagua advocated for inclusivity and economic transformation, particularly for those at the bottom of the pyramid.
They met the constitutional threshold of 50% plus one of the total votes cast and won in the first round with 50.4% of the vote.
NET WORTH
As of 2023, Rigathi Gachagua’s net worth was 800 million Kenyan shillings. He acknowledged that profitable business transactions, contracts, and monthly salaries accounted for most of his riches. His luxurious residences and commercial empires are clear testaments to his wealth.
