A simmering inheritance dispute within the family of former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua has taken a new turn after executors of his estate publicly released his will, laying out how his wealth was allocated. The move follows rising tensions among beneficiaries and a recent appeal to President William Ruto to intervene over alleged irregularities in the management of the estate.
The will, published in local dailies on April 8, was made public by executors Rigathi Gachagua, Mwai Mathenge and Njoroge Regeru, who said the disclosure was intended to address concerns raised by a section of beneficiaries. According to the executors, five out of the 23 listed beneficiaries had questioned aspects of the estate’s administration, prompting the clarification.
Documents show the estate includes 23 beneficiaries, among them close family members such as the deceased’s mother, two wives and children. The will outlines detailed instructions on how properties were to be distributed and how remaining assets were to be handled.
Among key allocations, a residence in Nairobi’s Lang’ata/Karen area was left to the first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family. Two additional properties in Karen and Nyeri were assigned to the second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, both of whom were already occupying the homes. The ancestral home, sitting on four acres, was divided equally between the deceased’s two eldest sons, who took possession in 2022.
The will further allocated shares in Mweiga Homes to his brother Rigathi Gachagua. Executors emphasized that any remaining assets were to be liquidated to settle outstanding debts before distribution.
Financial disclosures indicate major property sales exceeded reserve prices, with Olive Gardens Hotel, Queensgate Estate and Vipingo Estate collectively raising about Ksh1.25 billion.
The publication comes days after some family members petitioned President Ruto, alleging fraud and unlawful interference, claims that have intensified scrutiny over the estate’s management.